Michael Phelps blasts World Anti-Doping Agency for lifting three-year ban on Russia
Legendary American swimmer is in disbelief, asking how athletes who have tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs are still competing
Michael Phelps has blasted the World Anti-Doping Agency for lifting its three-year suspension on Russia, and said new leadership is needed in the fight against drug cheats in sport.
“I mean it’s still frustrating, right? We’re still having athletes who have tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs still competing, how’s that real?” Phelps told the South China Morning Post.
The legendary American swimmer was speaking at a press conference at the 2018 “Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum”, convened by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, in his role as president of the Michael Phelps Foundation.
The most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals in the pool, Phelps admitted his disbelief at Wada’s decision to reinstate Russian’s anti-doping body, Rusada, following the state-sponsored drugs scandal that saw them kicked out of the last Summer and Winter Games.
“When is an organisation going to fully take responsibility and take charge to change? Because that’s not what sports is. Sports aren’t about putting performance-enhancing drugs in your body and standing up and performing,” Phelps said
“It’s sad to see this. I’ve complained about it, I’ve testified about it. And still nothing changes. So I guess that then leads us here and where do we go next? What else can be done?
