In a major development, the United States has commenced a federal investigation into the Chinese doping scandal that rocked the swimming world during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. World Aquatics, the governing body of aquatic sports, confirmed the investigation, revealing that their executive director, Brent Nowicki, had been subpoenaed to testify.

According to reports, the investigation was initiated following a request from the House Committee on China to the Justice Department and FBI, urging them to look into the doping case. This request was made under a federal law that allows investigations into suspected doping conspiracies, even if they occurred outside the US.

World Aquatics stated, "He is working to schedule a meeting with the government, which, in all likelihood, will obviate the need for testimony before a Grand Jury." However, the organization declined to provide further details regarding the office handling the investigation, as well as the specific location and timing of Nowicki's subpoena.

The scandal first came to light in April when it was revealed that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine during a training camp before the Tokyo Games. The Chinese anti-doping authorities (CHINADA) investigated the matter and boldly proclaimed that the positive results were due to food contamination, leading to the athletes being acquitted without any penalties.

This explanation by CHINADA was accepted by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which faced heavy criticism for not conducting an independent investigation of its own. WADA's handling of the case was scrutinized during a U.S. Congressional Hearing led by United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) CEO Travis Tygart, who was joined by renowned swimmers Michael Phelps and Allison Schmitt as testifying witnesses.

Despite the controversy surrounding their involvement in the doping scandal, eleven of the swimmers who tested positive in 2021 are set to participate in the upcoming Paris Olympics, which are scheduled to begin in just over three weeks. Among the notable swimmers implicated in the scandal are Tokyo Olympic champions Zhang Yufei and Wang Shun, as well as triple world champion and record holder Qin Haiyang.

As the federal investigation unfolds, the swimming community eagerly awaits further updates on the matter. The implications of the findings could have far-reaching consequences for the future of anti-doping measures and the integrity of international sporting events.