Olympic officials try to crush US Chinese doping probe, threaten Salt Lake Games

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has taken a strong stance against U.S. investigations into a doping scandal involving 23 Chinese swimmers, threatening to revoke Salt Lake City's bid to host the 2034 Winter Games if the U.S. does not cease its inquiries. IOC President Thomas Bach and other officials criticized U.S. probes, including a congressional inquiry and a criminal investigation by the Department of Justice, as unacceptable. They demanded that U.S. officials sign a contract affirming respect for the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) authority in exchange for Salt Lake City's Olympic hosting rights. U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee chair Gene Sykes agreed to the terms, but many American athletes, including swimmer Katie Ledecky, expressed distrust in WADA's procedures and called for continued transparency and investigations. The doping scandal has drawn significant criticism, particularly regarding WADA's handling of positive tests that were kept secret until recently. WADA officials maintain that they acted appropriately and that the positive tests were due to accidental contamination, a claim supported by IOC members. However, U.S. Anti-Doping Agency head Travis Tygart condemned the IOC's threats as an attempt to silence those seeking accountability. The situation has created tension just days before the Summer Games in Paris, where some of the implicated Chinese athletes are set to compete. Utah officials expressed surprise at the controversy and emphasized the need for cooperation to resolve the issue.