In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, American Olympic legend Dara Torres expressed her agreement with the criticism directed towards the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) amidst a scandal that emerged just months before the 2024 Paris Games. The controversy centers around the revelation that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for a banned heart medication prior to the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, yet WADA allowed them to compete. Shockingly, five of those swimmers went on to win medals, including two gold.

Decorated American swimmers Michael Phelps and Allison Schmiit testified in Congress last month, highlighting the loss of faith among athletes in WADA's ability to combat cheating in sports. Torres echoed their sentiment, stating, "I 100% agree. They've completely failed athletes." She recalled her own experiences during the era of East German and Chinese doping scandals, emphasizing the need for fair competition and stringent testing to stay ahead of dopers.

Torres, who retired with an impressive tally of 12 Olympic medals, tied for the most among female swimmers, called for more comprehensive testing protocols to ensure an even playing field and clean sports. She pointed to Travis Tygart, the head of the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), as someone committed to preserving the integrity of sports.

Meanwhile, WADA has cleared itself of any wrongdoing in handling the case involving the Chinese swimmers. A special prosecutor, appointed by the agency, determined that WADA's decision not to penalize the Chinese athletes was "reasonable" and showed no favoritism. WADA President Witold Banka acknowledged the damage caused to the agency's reputation and expressed plans to consult with outside legal counsel regarding potential measures against those who made false and defamatory allegations.

The handling of this scandal has raised concerns about the confidence and trust that athletes and stakeholders have in WADA and the global anti-doping system. WADA's next steps will be crucial in addressing these concerns and reaffirming its commitment to fair competition and clean sport.

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