Prohibited substance
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According to a recent report, 23 Chinese swimmers who were found to have used a prohibited substance, trimetazidine, were permitted to participate in the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games.
Confidential
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The New York Times revealed that this information was kept confidential following an agreement between Chinese authorities and the organization responsible for drug testing.
Gold medalists
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The report highlighted that several athletes, including three gold medalists, competed and achieved success despite their involvement in the controversy.
Zhang Yufei
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Notably, Zhang Yufei, a gold medalist implicated in the scandal, is anticipated to compete in the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.
Dismissed
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China dismissed the test results by claiming that the swimmers mistakenly ingested the substance in negligible amounts that should be inconsequential.
Anti-Doping Agency
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Despite this, The Times stated that American officials and experts believed that the World Anti-Doping Agency should have disclosed the issue publicly.
Cover-up
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As per the report, the organization received “intelligence suggesting a cover-up and doping by Chinese swimmers” yet did not initiate any measures.
FBI
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The FBI has become engaged due to a law from 2020 that grants it authority over doping in global sports.
Kamila Valieva
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The situation in China contrasts sharply with WADA’s public handling of the case involving Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva, who also tested positive for the identical substance.
Travis Tygart
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“The statute of limitations has not run out,” according to USA Today, Travis Tygart, the CEO of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, conveyed his message via a text on Sunday.
Evidence
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“Certainly if any new evidence is found after an actual, robust investigation — or fraud in the defense of the Chinese swimmers is found — then yes, it could be easily prosecuted. So it can and should be investigated and prosecuted by an independent prosecutor to get some justice for clean athletes, whatever that might end up being,” he said.
Olympic champions
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“If confirmed that Chinese swimmers were able to become Olympic champions in Tokyo despite previous evidence of doping, that would be a disaster for world sport,” she added.
Unfairly
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Tygart expressed that the athletes who participated were treated unfairly by WADA’s actions.
Hearts ache
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“Our hearts ache for the athletes from the countries who were impacted by this potential cover-up and who may have lost podium moments, financial opportunities, and memories with family that can never be replaced,” he said.
Betrayed
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“They have been deeply and painfully betrayed by the system. All of those with dirty hands in burying positive tests and suppressing the voices of courageous whistleblowers must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the rules and law,” he said.
Enforce
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“When leadership fails to comply with and enforce the rules, athletes are defrauded, their livelihoods are put at risk, and they lose the ability to succeed through talent, hard work, and perseverance alone.”
Astonishment
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In response to Tygart’s allegations, WADA affirmed its confidence in the outcomes of its thorough scientific inquiry. The organization expressed astonishment at Tygart’s unfounded and defamatory statements, labeling them as serious accusations against WADA in relation to the case, as reported by CNN.
