U.S. Risks Isolation Over Anti-Doping Rule Dispute, Warns WADA Chief

WADA Chief Witold Banka warned that the United States might face isolation in the global sports community if it continues to challenge harmonization of anti-doping rules. The scrutiny follows a case involving 23 Chinese swimmers, leading to concerns over USADA's compliance with international standards.

WADA Chief Witold Banka has warned that the United States could face isolation in the global sports community if it persists in challenging the harmonization of anti-doping rules. Addressing the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Paris, Banka highlighted a case involving 23 Chinese swimmers that prompted a U.S. Department of Justice investigation, indicating non-compliance by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

Banka emphasized that USADA's actions threaten the global anti-doping system, isolating American sports and athletes. The controversy stems from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where Chinese swimmers tested positive for banned substances, later cleared by a Chinese investigation, and supported by WADA's findings.

Despite independent audits clearing WADA of any wrongdoing, USADA doubled down on its allegations, further damaging the global anti-doping agency's reputation. The IOC has also expressed its discontent with the U.S.'s unilaterally assertive stance under the controversial Rodchenkov Act, warning that such actions could place the U.S. outside the global anti-doping framework.

(With inputs from agencies.)