Michael Phelps‘ call for stricter penalties against doping has garnered significant attention, especially in light of a major scandal. His remarks emphasize ongoing concerns about maintaining fairness in sports.
Here’s a detailed look at Michael Phelps’ stated views on doping scandals in the wake of the recent Chinese doping scandal, and their impact on competitive sports.
What did Michael Phelps say about doping scandals?
Michael Phelps calls for lifetime bans for athletes caught doping, asserting, “If you test positive, you should never be allowed to come back and compete again, cut and dry. I believe one and done.”
This stance follows a doping scandal involving 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned substance before the Tokyo Olympics. The authorities did not publicize these results, attributed to tainted food, until this year, causing significant controversy.
Michael Phelps has called for strict and consistent testing for all athletes. He stressed that not all competitors facing the same scrutiny compromises fairness. He criticized the sport’s integrity, especially given the recent scandal involving Chinese swimmers who tested positive before the Tokyo Olympics. British swimmer Adam Peaty has also voiced concerns, noting that nine of these swimmers won medals at the Paris Olympics.
Phelps shared that he voluntarily underwent additional testing throughout his career to demonstrate his commitment to clean competition. “People called me a cheater throughout my career,” he said as reported by the Associated Press, emphasizing that he earned his 23 Olympic gold medals without using performance-enhancing drugs.
Now retired, Phelps advocates for mental health and anti-doping reforms. He recently testified before Congress, urging a unified global testing system. “What has to happen is everybody has to come together and figure out one way to test everybody all over the world,” he stated, empathizing with athletes like Peaty who see their hard work undermined by cheating.
Phelps’ advocacy for stringent anti-doping measures and lifetime bans reflects his commitment to preserving the integrity of competitive sports.
