As Paris Olympics approach, concerns continue after doping watchdog cleared Chinese swimmers in 2021

A recent investigation into the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) clearance of 23 Chinese athletes ahead of the 2020 Summer Olympics is raising questions about whether appropriate measures to stop doping will be upheld at this year's games.

"I've said it's a trainwreck and … I think it's different than any other Olympic Games that we've ever seen," said Travis Tygart, CEO of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. 

A joint investigation by the New York Times and German broadcaster ARD revealed that prior to the 2020 Games in Tokyo, which were held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for a banned heart medication called trimetazidine (TMZ). The drug is on WADA's prohibited list as a "hormone and metabolic modulator" because it can increase blood flow efficiency and improve endurance.

But rather than facing suspension, WADA cleared the swimmers, allowing them to compete and win medals — including three gold medals — in the 2020 Olympics. Some of those swimmers may be back on China's team for the 2024 Olympics. 

Since the revelation, a U.S. house panel is now asking the Justice Department and the FBI to investigate. The committee asked that the authorities use a law passed in 2020 in the wake of another doping scandal that gives the Justice Department the power to criminally prosecute those who help athletes dope at international competitions, regardless of whether the offenses occur on American soil.

Tygart says nine of the swimmers who tested positive ahead of the 2020 Games have met qualification criteria and could be named to China's team for the 2024 Olympics.

"That creates an environment that we haven't seen before, and I think seriously calls into question the competition," Tygart told The