WADA Urges USADA Reforms Amid Rising Concerns Over Athlete Doping

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has called for the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to improve doping controls in the U.S. amid concerns over insufficient testing of athletes. WADA's letter, backed by global anti-doping bodies, stresses the need for reforms in U.S. college and professional sports to ensure athlete integrity and health.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has intensified its appeal for the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to enhance its efforts in safeguarding clean sport in the United States. This comes against a backdrop of growing concerns about insufficient testing of athletes attending major events.

In a letter viewed by Reuters, WADA noted that 90% of American professional and college athletes compete outside the anti-doping Code's protections. Concerns are high that the U.S. is sending athletes to major events, including the Olympics, without adequate pre-event testing. This letter was supported by 32 national and regional anti-doping organizations from Europe, Asia, and Africa.

WADA insists that U.S. athletics reforms are crucial, particularly in college sports. However, USADA has dismissed the letter as an attempt to deflect attention ahead of a Swiss prosecutor's report on Chinese swimmers who tested positive for banned substances but were cleared for the Tokyo Olympics.

(With inputs from agencies.)