Michael Phelps has reaffirmed his stance for stricter doping penalties, advocating for a lifetime ban for anyone caught using a banned substance.
“If you test positive, you should never be allowed to return to competition, plain and simple,” Phelps stated. “I believe in the one-strike policy.”
The World Anti-Doping Agency and World Aquatics have acknowledged that 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for a banned substance prior to the Tokyo Olympics. These results weren’t disclosed until recent media reports revealed the story, with both organizations accepting the Chinese claim that the positive tests resulted from contaminated food.
Out of those swimmers, nine earned medals – several as members of relay teams – during the Paris Games, prompting Team GB’s Adam Peaty to express concerns about the fairness of the competition.
Phelps echoed these concerns, arguing that the Chinese swimmers who tested positive should have been barred from competing in Tokyo, Paris, or any other event.
“If not all athletes are subject to the same testing, I have serious issues because it indicates the sport is not fair and equitable,” he remarked. “If you’re willing to take that risk, you don’t belong here.”
During his prime, Phelps was aware that many questioned whether his achievements could be attained without performance-enhancing drugs.
“I was labeled a cheater throughout my career,” he reflected on Monday. “I took it upon myself to undergo extensive testing – blood and urine – every week. Why? So I could prove I’m not cheating and that I’m clean, and here are the results. I did it the right way. I secured 23 Olympic gold medals without cheating. It is possible.”
Phelps expressed his belief that some competitors were likely doping during his five Olympic appearances, during which he amassed a total of 28 medals.
“I don’t think I ever competed in a truly level playing field or a clean environment,” he admitted. “I have my suspicions about certain athletes I competed with who I believe were [doping]. But that is beyond my control.”
Since retiring after the 2016 Olympics, Phelps has become increasingly vocal about various issues, including mental health and doping reforms. He recently testified before the US Congress regarding the latter, advocating for significant changes to a system perceived by many as flawed.
“We need to unite and establish a universal testing method for everyone globally. Simple as that,” Phelps declared. “And if you test positive, you should never be allowed to compete again.”
Phelps expressed sympathy for athletes like Peaty, whose British team finished fourth in the men’s 4x100m medley relay – a race won by the Chinese.
“It pains me to see athletes invest four years of hard work only to have it snatched away by someone who is cheating,” Phelps said. “That’s not fair. I stand firmly against that, and will always advocate for integrity in sports.”
He even proposed a solution for those tempted to circumvent the rules.
“If you want to cheat, go ahead and attend the ‘cheater games,’” he remarked. “Let the Olympics uphold its values of integrity.”
