Team USA swimming stresses drug testing standards

PARIS (NEXSTAR) – At a press conference preceding the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Team USA did not hide their concern about drug testing.

“Hopefully there’s been even testing around the world,” Seven time Gold medalist Katie Ledecky said. “Everyone’s heard what the athletes think. They want transparency. They want further answers to the questions that still remain,” she said. “We’re going to race whoever’s in the lanes next to us.”

Questions were asked regarding the reported revelation that 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for a banned substance before the Tokyo 2020 Olimpic Games but were still allowed to compete.

A Chinese state-backed investigation in June 2021 blamed mass contamination by food in a hotel kitchen.

Ledecky pointed out that not only is it important for athletes to compete clean, but also to train clean.

“If people are training with things in their system that shouldn’t be in their system, then they’re getting an advantage,” she explained. “That’s why we’re tested frequently, randomly.”

Ten time World Champion Nic Fink added, “I imagine everyone here at this meet is tested quite a bit, so I’m hoping for a fair race as well.”

The International Testing Agency is in charge of the testing for the games and has coordinated with anti-doping organizations around the world in an effort to prevent issues.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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