Swimming governing bodies in Germany and Canada have given their reaction to the Chinese doping scandal which made headlines less than 48 hours ago.

News broke Friday evening that 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine (TMZ) approximately seven months before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (which will take place in 2021). Chinese anti-doping authorities say TMZ was unknowingly ingested at a hotel where the swimmers were staying. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) upheld CHINADA's initial decision.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, which also oversees sports, said: “Just months before the Olympics, suspicions that the matter was ignored or even covered up must be thoroughly investigated as quickly as possible. If there is such a serious suspicion of doping, then it must be independently investigated by WADA.”

Faeser was not the only one to speak out in Germany. Deutscher Schwimm-Verband (DSV) sports director Christian Hansmann said the report “reminds us that transparency is an indispensable element in the fight against doping.” Hansmann continued: “Everything is missing [transparency] not only undermines confidence in individual institutions, but also in the credibility of sport as a whole.

Germany public broadcaster ARD released a report the same day as the New York Times detailing the investigation between CHINADA and WADA.

Swimming Canada, the governing body for swimming in the country, also released a statement, via X (formerly known as Twitter):

“Swimming Canada is aware of recent reports regarding adverse analytical findings related to another country's Tokoy 2020 Olympic team. Swimming Canada is committed to promoting clean sport and strictly enforcing anti-doping rules to maintain a level playing field. Rules must be applied fairly in elite sport and exceptions must be communicated transparently. Doping can deprive clean athletes of the hard-earned moments they deserve, like podium finishes and potentially life-changing opportunities. Swimming Canada is seeking further information from its national and international sport partners such as the Canadian Olympic Committee, World Aquatics, the Canadian Center for Ethics in Sport and Sport Canada. It is essential that athletes who train and compete according to the principles of clean sport are respected. »

Statement from Swimming Canada pic.twitter.com/gORdoNbKqZ

– Swimming Canada / Nation Canada (@SwimmingCanada) April 21, 2024