CHINADA Questions USADA’s Decision on Erriyon Knighton’s Positive Steroid Test
The China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) has released a statement expressing concerns over the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s (USADA) handling of sprinter Erriyon Knighton’s positive test for the banned steroid trenbolone.
Knighton, a member of the U.S. Olympic track and field team, tested positive during an out-of-competition test on March 26. However, USADA decided not to impose any sanctions on Knighton, citing contaminated meat as the cause of the adverse analytical finding.
Allegations of Double Standards
CHINADA alleges that USADA is exhibiting a double standard in its approach to anti-doping cases. The statement points out that while USADA cleared Knighton by accepting the contaminated meat defense, it has been critical and demanding sanctions against Chinese athletes in similar situations.
“USADA has shown a typical double standard by trying its best to clear American athletes on one hand, but on the other hand accusing CHINADA and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) of ‘covering up the truth’ and demanding sanctions against Chinese athletes,” the statement reads.
Questions Raised Over Investigation
CHINADA raises several concerns regarding USADA’s investigation into Knighton’s case. They question the timing of the investigation, the evidence of meat contamination, and the removal of related statements from USADA’s website.
“It’s a strange coincidence that while USADA didn’t start the investigation until two months later, it happened to detect trenbolone in a different batch of beef purchased from the same restaurant,” CHINADA states. “What are they trying to hide behind this unusual action?”
Calls for Transparency and Integrity
The statement urges USADA to cease politicizing anti-doping efforts and to uphold principles of fairness and justice. CHINADA calls on USADA to review its approaches and to ensure compliance with the goals of the global anti-doping system.
“We call on USADA to review the approaches and principles it has adopted in doping cases to ensure compliance with the goals of the global anti-doping system, and to demonstrate due integrity and consistency in their work,” CHINADA concludes. “This is the right way to regain trust of the international community in its anti-doping work.”
Reference(s):
CHINADA Statement on USA Erriyon Knighton's Positive Test for Steroid
cgtn.com
