“The IOC has full confidence in WADA” – Bach on the case of doping of Chinese swimmers

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has expressed full confidence in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to investigate the doping case of 23 Chinese swimmers.

Earlier, The New York Times reported that trimetazidine was found in samples of 23 Chinese swimmers ahead of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. These athletes were not suspended.

“We have complete trust in WADA and its rules, and WADA respects its rules. There is no reason for eligible swimmers not to compete in the Paris Olympics. It is impossible to simply make an accusation against an athlete without supporting it. [решением] the competent authority – in this case WADA, – declared Bach, quoted by AFP.

Bach also said he learned of the incident through the media, but the IOC has since been briefed by WADA on the agency’s procedures in the investigation.

According to the New York Times, after the discovery of positive samples from swimmers, the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) conducted its own investigation, as a result of which the party adhered to the version that the substance entered involuntarily in the bodies of athletes. and in small quantities. A joint investigation by the organization and Chinese police revealed that traces of the substance were found in the kitchen of the hotel where the Chinese swimmers were staying. It was not possible to know exactly how this substance ended up in the hotel kitchen. The authors accuse WADA of ignoring whistleblower data, as well as inconsistency in handling various doping cases. WADA could not refute the Chinese version and did not punish the athletes.

WADA threatened legal action against the authors of notes containing “inaccurate information”. The agency announced Thursday that it had hired independent prosecutor Eric Cottier to conduct a “thorough review” of its own work in the case.

Chinese swimmers at the Tokyo Olympics won 6 medals (3 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze) and also broke several world records.

AFP

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