“While WADA management wants to close the book on this scandal regarding 23 positive TMZ cases by Chinese swimmers, the full report released today by WADA’s investigator only validates our concerns and even raises new questions that must be answered.
Clean athletes give their all to excellence and what this report shows is that the global anti-doping regulator did not give them the same in return. Not only was the scope of the investigation restricted to two surface questions, but the information that Mr. Eric Cottier did gather clearly shows that China did not follow the rules, and that WADA management did nothing about it.
For example, the report states, “the expert basically replied that CHINADA’s handling of the case had deviated significantly and fundamentally from the procedures laid down in anti-doping standards, that these deviations were particularly serious given that they had enabled the athletes concerned – in the absence of an appeal by WADA – to benefit from an absence of an ADRV (as well as an absence of any consequences)…” (page 32). Cottier also confirmed, “at the time of the events (i.e. from March to August 2021) [WADA’s] I&I Department was not involved in the handling of the case,” (page 10).
The ongoing failure to investigate and to answer the critical question of whether the 23 positive tests were due to contamination or intentional use will haunt athletes around the world for years to come. This failure of the system has also unfairly created a dark cloud over the Chinese athletes involved.
The solution to these concerns is an independent investigation where the scope and the investigator are identified by neutral third parties and a proper results management process to bring finality to these positive tests. The Cottier report itself speaks to the desperate need for this expanded investigation, noting, “The sense of justice or injustice, however, goes far beyond the scope of this investigation,” (page 53).
Given these findings, we are heartened by the recent establishment of a working group comprised of WADA Executive Committee members and a representative of the Athlete Council that will be tasked with implementing the findings from the Cottier report. This working group has the potential to make critical strides in ensuring that the global anti-doping system has the controls and systems in place to evenly apply the rules and protect clean athletes’ rights worldwide.”
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