Push for investigation into Chinese athletes testing positive for banned substances

US lawmakers have recently called on the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Justice to investigate the case of 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for banned substances before participating in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics but were still allowed to compete.

In a letter dated May 21, several US congressmen called for the use of the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act, enacted by President Donald Trump in 2020. This law allows for sanctions against individuals involved in international doping schemes and compensation for victims. Republican Congressman John Moolenaar and Democratic Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said that these scandals raise legal, ethical and competitive concerns, so the case should be re-evaluated so that the US and the international community can take appropriate measures. The letter also mentioned the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) handling of the case.

Last month, WADA confirmed that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for trimetazidine, a prescription heart medication that can enhance performance, ahead of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. However, the athletes were not punished after WADA accepted Chinese officials' explanation that the results were due to problems with food at the athletes' hotels. WADA has also asked an independent prosecutor to examine the case and publish a report.

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