Just weeks before the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the Department of Justice has ignited a firestorm by opening a probe into Chinese swimmers and international sport organizers. This investigation centers around allegations that two dozen Chinese swimmers, including gold medal winners, were allowed to compete in the previous summer games despite failing doping tests. Chinese officials initially claimed the failed drug tests were due to food contamination, a story that was accepted by the global swimming federation, World Aquatics.
The New York Times reported that this criminal investigation is a significant escalation against China and World Aquatics. Following a scandal exposed in April, a House Committee on China urged federal investigators to look into the doping conspiracies, even those occurring outside of U.S. borders. The timing is crucial as the Paris Olympics are set to begin on July 26, with China and the U.S. expected to dominate the medal tally once again.