The simmering dispute between World Athletics, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) shows little sign of cooling. With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games drawing closer, the disagreement has become increasingly political, while China has moved to strengthen its relationship with the International Testing Agency (ITA).
When newly elected International Olympic Committee President Kristy Coventry assumed office, there was hope that the rhetoric surrounding international anti-doping would subside. Instead, both sides have become more entrenched.
Adding another political dimension, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn has written to Coventry expressing concern over proposals that could diminish the role of independent national anti-doping organizations ahead of the Los Angeles Games. Blackburn argued that weakening those bodies could undermine confidence in the Olympic anti-doping system.
The dispute intensified after the United States withheld approximately US$3.6 million (€3.1 million) in WADA funding for 2025. Washington has continued to challenge WADA’s governance and oversight, raising the possibility of a more independent American approach to anti-doping.
The Chinese swimmers remain the flashpoint
The controversy surrounding 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive before the Paris Olympic Games continues to define the relationship between USADA and WADA.
Although Chinese authorities acknowledged the positive tests and accepted contamination as the explanation, USADA has maintained that the handling of the cases lacked sufficient transparency. Travis Tygart has repeatedly criticized both WADA and Chinese authorities, alleging the matter was improperly managed.
Meanwhile, China has moved in the opposite direction.
The CHINADA and the ITA have renewed their cooperation agreement, committing to closer collaboration on testing programs, intelligence sharing and broader anti-doping initiatives.
“CHINADA is pleased to renew its collaboration with the ITA and to continue working together in support of clean athletes,” said CHINADA Director General Li Zhiquan. “Major events require strong coordination, high standards and mutual trust between all anti-doping partners. This agreement will help further enhance cooperation, share expertise and contribute to the development of clean sport in China and internationally.”
Chinese swimmers ultimately left Paris with 12 Olympic medals, but the performances themselves have not quieted the controversy. For USADA, the issue has never been about medal counts. It remains convinced that the handling of the 23 cases exposed fundamental weaknesses in the global anti-doping system.
With Los Angeles less than two years away, neither side appears willing to yield. Instead of moving toward reconciliation, the world’s anti-doping authorities remain divided over the very system intended to protect clean sport.
