In the years leading up to the World Anti-Doping Agency's decision to clear 23 Chinese swimmers of intentional doping violations, China made significant financial contributions to WADA programs. Confidential meeting minutes revealed that China exceeded its yearly requirements by donating $993,000 in 2018 and $992,000 in 2019. These contributions were part of China's efforts to support WADA's investigations and intelligence unit.
While there is no evidence of China expecting favorable treatment in return for its donations, the country's growing influence within WADA was evident. In contrast, the United States, WADA's largest regular contributor, was experiencing strained relations with the agency.
China's additional funding was transparently disclosed by WADA, with the agency emphasizing the positive relationship it had with China. The main portion of WADA's budget is split equally between governments worldwide and the Olympic movement, with China's contributions being supplementary to its routine payments.
As the U.S. clashed with WADA over anti-doping legislation, China's support extended to WADA's intelligence and investigations program. China's donation of $992,000 in 2020 was a significant boost to the program, second only to India's $1 million contribution in 2021.
The timing of China's donations coincided with the country hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics and the election of a Chinese IOC member as WADA vice president. Additionally, a Chinese sports company signed a deal to provide WADA-branded apparel.
Recent reports revealed that WADA cleared Chinese swimmers of doping violations due to alleged contamination of a banned substance. WADA defended its decision, citing a lack of evidence to prove intentional cheating by the athletes.
Despite the controversy, many of the cleared swimmers went on to compete in the Tokyo Olympics, winning medals. The program supported by China aimed to enhance WADA's investigative capabilities and had the potential for up to $5 million in funding.
By the end of 2021, the program had received contributions from nine countries, with China being the largest donor. WADA's handling of the Chinese swimmers' cases raised questions about transparency and adherence to anti-doping protocols.
