In the wake of a Chinese doping scandal, Michael Phelps doubled down on his support for tougher sanctions — including a lifetime ban for anyone who tests positive.

In the wake of a Chinese doping scandal, Michael Phelps doubled down Monday on his support for tougher sanctions — including a lifetime ban for anyone who tests positive for a banned substance.

“If you test positive, you should never be allowed to come back and compete again, cut and dry,” Phelps said. “I believe one and done.”

The World Anti-Doping Agency and World Aquatics have acknowledged that 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for a banned substance ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. The results were not made public until media reports surfaced this year, with both bodies accepting the Chinese explanation that the positive tests were caused by tainted food.

Nine of those swimmers won medals - several as part of relay teams - n Paris, leading British star Adam Peaty to gripe that the playing field was not even.

  • Flying Squid
    -6•1 month ago

    In February 2009, a photograph of Phelps using a bong went viral; this resulted in the loss of Kellogg’s as a sponsor, as well as a three-month suspension by USA Swimming. Phelps admitted that the photo, which was taken at a party at the University of South Carolina, was authentic. He publicly apologized, calling his behavior “inappropriate”.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Phelps#Legal_issues

    USA Swimming is who selects people for the Olympics.

    • @dohpaz42@lemmy.worldEnglish
      24•1 month ago

      With all due respect, you are conflating what somebody does in their personal time with doing something to cheat in a sporting event (the topic at hand). Despite Phelps having made some poor social and legal choices, his stance on zero-tolerance to doping in sporting events is no less relevant. What you’re suggesting is a red herring.

      • @lone_faerie@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
        2•1 month ago

        Literally Sha’Carri Richardson was banned from competing in the Tokyo Olympics by the US Anti-Doping Agency because she smoked weed to help cope with the death of her mother. You’re making a big deal arguing that something that really does actually happen doesn’t for some reason.

      • @DragonTypeWyvern@midwest.social
        -11•1 month ago

        His choices were only poor because there are cooler drugs to do that don’t harm your lungs and heart.

        You need your lungs and heart, Phelps! Cardio is literally your career!