Top U.S. Olympic Official Supports WADA Amid Anti-Doping Dispute

America’s top Olympic official has shown support for the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) amidst criticism over its handling of 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned substance. The dispute, which involves the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, could affect America's hosting of future Olympics.

America's top Olympic official has come out in strong support of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) following criticism over its handling of 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned substance before competing in the 2021 Tokyo Games.

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) chief, Travis Tygart, accused WADA of a cover-up, claiming that the global agency accepted findings by the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency that the swimmers were inadvertently exposed to the drug through contamination at their hotel. Some of these swimmers later won Olympic medals.

Gene Sykes, head of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, emphasized the need for cooperation between WADA and USADA, stating his full support for WADA and the world anti-doping code. The International Olympic Committee has warned the U.S. that failure to support WADA could cost the country its future Olympic hosting privileges.

(With inputs from agencies.)