Olympic officials try to crush U.S. probes of China doping, threaten SLC Games

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has criticized U.S. investigations into a Chinese doping scandal, threatening to block Salt Lake City's bid to host the 2034 Winter Games if the U.S. continues its scrutiny. IOC President Thomas Bach and other officials expressed concern over U.S. congressional probes and a Department of Justice investigation into the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regarding its handling of the case involving 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for banned substances before the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. The IOC demanded that U.S. Olympic officials sign a contract affirming respect for WADA's authority to proceed with the Games in Salt Lake City. While U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee chair Gene Sykes agreed to this condition, many American athletes, including swimmer Katie Ledecky, have voiced distrust in WADA's procedures and called for transparency. Travis Tygart, head of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, criticized the IOC for using threats to silence those seeking accountability. The controversy has intensified as WADA has been accused of favoring China and Russia in its enforcement of doping rules. Salt Lake City officials expressed surprise at the backlash, with bid leader Fraser Bullock indicating a willingness to comply with IOC demands. Despite these developments, skepticism remains among U.S. athletes regarding the fairness of WADA's methods, particularly in light of the ongoing doping allegations against Chinese competitors.