In the wake of a doping scandal involving Chinese swimmers, Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history, has called for tougher sanctions for anyone caught doping, including a lifetime ban. 

The hard-line stance from the swimming great came following a doping scandal involving Chinese swimmers that only came to light earlier this year. 

Nine swimmers who tested positive for a banned substance ahead of the Olympics in Tokyo have won medals in this year’s games in Paris, which has not sat well with other competitors, including Phelps and Brit Adam Peaty. 

"If you test positive, you should never be allowed to come back and compete again, cut and dry,” Phelps said during a press availability on Monday. “I believe one and done.”

The scandal sparked outcry among other athletes, with many voicing their frustrations over the lack of a level playing field and the seeming lack of consequences for those who violate anti-doping rules. Phelps reiterated those sentiments, saying the Chinese swimmers who tested positive should not have been allowed to compete in either Tokyo or Paris, according to the AP.

"If everybody is not going through that same testing, I have a serious problem because it means the level of sport is not fair and it’s not even,” he said. “If you’re taking that risk, then you don’t belong in here.”

Doping Scandal Background

In total, 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for a banned substance before the Tokyo games and it was only acknowledged publicly by the World Anti-Doping Agency and World Aquatics after it came out in the media this year. 

The two agencies accepted an explanation from the Chinese that tainted food was what caused the positive tests. 

However, the explanation has been met with skepticism from athletes and experts alike. Many believe the Chinese swimmers were intentionally doping, and that the tainted food explanation is simply a cover-up. The situation has eroded trust in the World Anti-Doping Agency and its enforcement of anti-doping rules.

Phelps’s Clean Record and Testing

During his illustrious career, Phelps was also subject to scrutiny over his achievements. He said he underwent extra testing to eliminate any doubt about his victories heading into the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. 

“I did it the clean way,” he added. “I won 23 Olympic gold medals the clean way. It can be done.”

Calls for Reform

Phelps has previously expressed his desire for tougher sanctions. He testified before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation in June, saying athletes have lost faith in the World Anti-Doping Agency’s enforcement of its policies following the Chinese doping scandal.

He also said that during his time competing in the Olympics, he underwent extra testing to eliminate any doubt about his victories heading into the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. 

A Call for Integrity

Phelps has a suggestion for athletes who want to dodge the rules. 

“Go ahead and go to the cheater games,” he said. “Keep the Olympics about integrity.”

His words reflect a growing sentiment among athletes and fans who are demanding a more level playing field and stricter consequences for those who cheat. Phelps’s powerful voice has ignited a conversation about the need for reform in the world of sports, with a focus on integrity and fair play. 

The Future of the Olympics

Phelps’s stance on doping is a stark reminder of the importance of fair play and the need for robust anti-doping programs. The future of the Olympics depends on the integrity of its athletes and the effectiveness of its anti-doping efforts. The recent doping scandal involving Chinese swimmers has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current anti-doping programs and has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability. Phelps’s calls for reform have sparked a critical conversation about the future of sports and the need to create a fair and equitable playing field for all athletes. 

A Legacy of Clean Competition

Michael Phelps’s legacy is one of hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to clean competition. He has consistently spoken out against doping and has been a strong advocate for fair play. He has shown that it is possible to achieve greatness without resorting to performance-enhancing drugs. His words and actions continue to inspire athletes and fans alike, reminding them that the true spirit of sportsmanship is about achieving excellence through hard work and dedication, not through shortcuts and deception.