The United States could lose its hosting rights for both the 2028 Summer and 2034 Winter Olympics due to a controversial investigation into Chinese swimmers, warns former International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Dick Pound.
U.S. could be ruled non-compliant with Olympic standards
At the heart of this issue lies the Rodchenkov Act, a 2020 U.S. law that extends American jurisdiction to international sporting events involving U.S. athletes or financial connections. However, this legislation may violate the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code, potentially rendering the U.S. non-compliant with Olympic standards.
The controversy stems from the U.S. investigation into 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for trimetazidine before the Tokyo Olympics. Although cleared by Chinese authorities and allowed to compete, the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has called for an FBI and Department of Justice probe, citing a possible cover-up.
U.S. non-compliance will hurt its ability to host Olympic events
Pound suggests that WADA might refer this matter to its compliance review committee, which could declare the US non-compliant. Consequently, this decision would jeopardize America’s ability to host Olympic events.
While stripping Los Angeles of the 2028 Summer Games seems unlikely, the IOC might delay confirming Salt Lake City as the 2034 Winter Olympics host. This decision, expected to be announced next week, could be postponed to send a message to US authorities.
The situation has further strained relations between WADA and USADA. Meanwhile, the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) has expressed concerns about sending officials to the U.S., fearing potential arrests.
Chinese swimmers competed in a domestic competition
Pound emphasises the overreach of the U.S. investigation, noting that the Chinese swimmers’ case involved a domestic competition with no American participants. He warns that the U.S. risks disqualification from many international sporting events if it continues this course of action.
Two independent investigations have already concluded there was no mismanagement or cover-up in WADA’s handling of the Chinese swimmers’ case. Nevertheless, the ongoing U.S. probe threatens to escalate tensions and potentially impact future Olympic hosting rights.
As this situation unfolds, the global sporting community is watching closely, awaiting the next moves from U.S. authorities and international sporting bodies.
With inputs from Reuters
