As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, the controversy from three years ago continues to frown at the integrity of WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). Notable American sports figures voiced their concerns about WADA’s policies after reports came in April that the institute “inexplicably” cleared Chinese swimmers despite traces of banned substance found in their blood before the 2021 Tokyo Games. Among these stars, swimming icon Michael Phelps has been one of the loudest advocates for measures against doping. And he’s not stopping before some action is taken.

For athletes, an even playing field is all they can ask for. And yet, doping remains a jarring issue that is never too far away to cast its dark shadow. But Phelps aided by one of his allies, seeks to get the ears of the higher authorities to help address the problem.

A recent post on Instagram by US Representative Andre Garbarino shared images of himself standing with Phelps and Allison Schmitt as the swimmers visited Capitol Hill to bring the Chinese scandal to the former’s attention. “Wonderful seeing Olympians Michael Phelps and Allison Schmitt on Capitol Hill today advocating for the World Anti-Doping Agency to hold China accountable for the alleged doping of Chinese swimmers ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics,” reads the caption of the IG post.

The Chinese swimmers were allowed by the WADA to compete in the 2021 Olympics seven months after their blood samples tested positive for TMZ, an illegal substance. Now, as the 2024 Olympics arrive, swimmers call for the US anti-doping body and the WADA to bring forth the issue once again to get an explanation from China.

While how the entire situation will pan out remains to be seen, Phelps and the four-time Olympic gold medalist Schmitt look to use every resource available to them to help the US Olympians restore their faith in WADA. However, these two national icons haven’t been the only ones with demands to reprimand what the USA might have lost in Japan the last time.

Michael Phelps garners support from others

Among the Chinese swimmers who were cleared to compete in the 2021 Olympics, seven of them went on to clinch podium finishes. On the other hand, the US swimmers were left with no option but to accept their fate. But with new information coming to light, Schmitt thinks things look different. “We followed every protocol. We respected their performance and accepted our defeat. But now, learning that the Chinese relay consisted of athletes who had not served a suspension, I look back with doubt,” said Schmitt as she testified against the Chinese conundrum. Moreover, the WADA announced that an investigating team, including the world record holder Katie Ledecky, would head to China to uncover more truths about what transpired in 2021, she also seemed skeptical about how much change to history they could bring. “We get drug-tested a lot, and we all know the rules,” said Katie to the Washington Post about the fiasco.

The USADA, the national anti-doping apex body, and its CEO Travis Tygart also slammed the WADA for the hush-up they allegedly aided. “Our hearts ache for the athletes from the countries who were impacted by this potential cover-up and who may have lost podium moments, financial opportunities, and memories with family that can never be replaced,” said Tygart in a statement. The WADA denied these accusations as “outrageous, completely false and defamatory“. 

However, as the Chinese anti-doping agency continues to claim that it was contamination rather than doping by the swimmers, China contributing $ 2 million more than required to WADA programs also continues to raise questions. Now, Phelps takes to the field, it remains to be seen if the world’s most decorated Olympian’s involvement helps to usher in a rectification or if things get buried beneath the oblivion that his short-lived human memory.