World Aquatics recently appointed a five-person committee to review their anti-doping procedures. The decision was communicated to member federations through a letter sent last Friday. This move came after news emerged that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for doping in 2021.
The committee, appointed by the World Aquatics Bureau, will assess the process and procedures related to doping at both World Aquatics and FINA. The aim of the review is to improve the understanding of the anti-doping review and decision-making process within the federation, particularly in relation to the Chinese doping case, and to learn from this experience to enhance World Aquatics’ readiness for the future.
The five-person panel tasked with conducting the audit 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 investigation aims to address any doubts surrounding the anti-doping movement and 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 CHINADA and attributed to contamination. An independent review led by Swiss prosecutor Eric Cottier is currently underway.
The audit committee report from World Aquatics’ five-person panel is expected to be completed by June 30th.