Warning from Former IOC Member: American Law Enforcement’s Probe of Chinese Swimmers Could Risk Losing Olympics

Former IOC Member Warns That US Could Lose Hosting Rights for 2028 and 2034 Olympics

In a surprising turn of events, Dick Pound, a former senior member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has issued a stern warning to the United States regarding its probe of Chinese swimmers. Pound cautioned that if American law enforcement goes too far in investigating the Chinese athletes, the US could lose the hosting rights for the Summer Olympics in 2028 and the Winter Olympics in 2034.

The crux of the issue lies in the Rodchenkov Act, a US law passed in 2020 that grants American jurisdiction over international sports involving US athletes or those with financial ties to the country. Currently, the law is being used to investigate the positive doping test results of 23 Chinese swimmers, raising concerns about its compliance with international anti-doping regulations.

WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) has been examining the US’s compliance with anti-doping norms due to the implications of the Rodchenkov Act. The agency is deliberating on whether to refer the US to the Non-Compliant Review Committee, highlighting the complexities of balancing domestic laws with international conventions in anti-doping efforts.

In light of these developments, Pound hinted that the IOC may delay formally announcing Salt Lake City as the host for the 2034 Winter Olympics. While the selection is expected to be approved at the upcoming IOC Congress before the Paris Summer Olympics, Pound emphasized that Olympic officials could use the opportunity to send a message by withholding the decision.

The delicate balance between upholding stringent anti-doping measures and ensuring fair investigative procedures underscores the challenges faced by nations participating in international sporting events. The outcome of the US’s probe into Chinese swimmers and its compliance with anti-doping regulations could have far-reaching implications on the future of Olympic hosting rights.