British Swimmers Call for Fair Play After Chinese Doping Controversy

British swimmers, including Adam Peaty, have called for a level playing field after 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned drug escaped punishment. WADA confirmed the positive tests but accepted the findings of the Chinese anti-doping agency that the contamination was unintentional. Swimmers demand fair competition ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

British swimmers, led by Adam Peaty, are demanding a level playing field following revelations that 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for a banned substance yet faced no punishment. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) confirmed that these athletes tested positive for trimetazidine, a medication that boosts heart blood flow, before the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

WADA accepted the Chinese anti-doping agency's (CHINADA) conclusion that the positive tests were due to contamination. Independent investigations cleared WADA and World Aquatics of mishandling the case. With the Paris 2024 Games approaching, Peaty, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, expressed his desire for fairness.

Tom Dean, another British gold medalist, echoed Peaty's sentiments, criticizing countries that do not uphold strict anti-doping standards. Security concerns also loom over the Paris Games, but Peaty remains focused on performing his best, trusting officials to ensure athletes' safety.

(With inputs from agencies.)