U.S. Risks Isolation in Global Sports Over Anti-Doping Rules Dispute: WADA Chief

WADA chief Witold Banka warns the U.S. could isolate itself from the global sports community due to discord over anti-doping rules, sparked by a U.S. investigation into 23 Chinese swimmers. Banka criticized USADA's actions, highlighting potential consequences and the importance of consistent anti-doping enforcement.

The United States could find itself isolated from the global sporting community with significant repercussions for American athletes, warned World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) chief Witold Banka on Wednesday. Addressing the International Olympic Committee (IOC) session in Paris, Banka referenced a U.S. Justice Department investigation into 23 Chinese swimmers as a case in point.

"If the United States, encouraged by USADA, continues to threaten the harmonisation of global anti-doping rules, it will isolate itself from the global sporting community," Banka stated. He also said the U.S. Department of Justice's actions were based on the controversial Rodchenkov anti-doping act.

The Chinese swimmers tested positive for banned substances before the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. An investigation by WADA found no wrongdoing, but a separate U.S. investigation and criticism from USADA have led to growing tensions. WADA expressed disappointment over allegations from USADA, while the IOC disapproved of U.S. jurisdictional overreach in doping matters.

(With inputs from agencies.)