The World Aquatics Bureau has recently announced the establishment of an audit committee to review their anti-doping procedures. This decision was communicated to member federations through a letter sent on Friday. The appointment of the committee came after news emerged that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for doping in 2021.
The five-person panel, appointed by World Aquatics, includes four-time Olympic medalist Florent Manaudou, along with Aquatics Integrity Unit Supervisory Council members Miguel Cardenal and Ken Lalo, Paralympic swimmer Annabelle Williams, and Brazilian coach Fernando Possenti. Although World Aquatics was not directly involved in the Chinese doping case, the organization is committed to ensuring the robustness of its procedures moving forward.
The aim of the investigation is to address any doubts surrounding the anti-doping movement and to reassure athletes ahead of the Paris Olympic Games. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has faced criticism for its handling of the Chinese case, which was investigated by the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) and attributed to contamination. An independent review led by Swiss prosecutor Eric Cottier is currently underway.
The report from World Aquatics’ five-person panel is expected to be completed by the end of June.
