Pallone Details Congressional Action to Combat Doping Ahead of 2024 Olympics
Top Democrat on Energy & Commerce Committee Calls for Accountability Following Chinese Swimmers' Doping Scandal
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today held a press availability to discuss the details of tonight’s primetime congressional hearing focused on anti-doping measures ahead of the 2024 Olympics, which kick-off in Paris on July 26.
Scheduled for tonight, June 25, at 7:00 PM ET, the Energy and Commerce Committee’s hearing will address the controversy involving 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned substance before the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Criticism has been directed at the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for its handling of the case, particularly its acceptance of China's questionable explanation that the 23 athletes tested positive for a heart medication that improves athletic endurance due to hotel kitchen contamination and failure to enforce the international doping rules.
"Fair play is paramount, especially as we approach the 2024 Olympics. These athletes dedicate their lives and their livelihoods to compete on behalf of their country on the world’s biggest stage. The recent performance-enhancing drug scandal involving Chinese swimmers underscores the urgent need for a global commitment to anti-doping to ensure a level playing field for all athletes. Tonight’s hearing will take a hard look at the World Anti-Doping Agency's response in this case and reinforce the importance of transparent and clean sport,” said Pallone.
Confirmed witnesses for the hearing include former Olympic swimmers Michael Phelps and Allison Schmitt, and Travis Tygart, CEO of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. WADA declined an invitation to attend the hearing.
Two New Jersey swimmers, Matt Fallon and Jack Alexy, have already earned their spots at the U.S. trials to compete in Paris next month. Fallon, from Warren, broke the American record in the 200-meter breaststroke, and Alexy, from Mendham, secured his spot in the 100-meter freestyle by outperforming a seven-time gold medalist. Meanwhile, China has included 11 swimmers who tested positive in the 2021 doping scandal on their Paris Olympics team.
The hearing will be livestreamed HERE.