Michael Phelps writes in his testimony that he was frustrated with the current anti-doping system. The most decorated Olympian was testified in front of Congress on February 28 in Washington, D.C.
According to USA Today, the topic of the hearing was 'Ways to Improve and Strengthen the International Anti-Doping System'. It comes as the sport and anti-doping world have dealt with a Russian doping scandal that has led to repeated calls for change.
As written in NBC Sports, Michael Phelps said that he was frustrated with the uncertainty of whether he was competing against clean athletes in Rio. He's looking at ways to improve the international anti-doping system.
"Rio was also unique because of increased doping concerns," Michael Phelps wrote in his letter. He said he signed a petition along with a number of other athletes requesting that all athletes should be tested month prior to the games.
Michael Phelps was one of the five witnesses called to testify. Others were Rob Koehler, World Anti-Doping Agency Deputy Director-General, Travis Tygart, U.S. Anti-Doping Agency CEO, Dr. Richard Budgett, IOC Medical and Scientific Director and Adam Nelson, 2004 U.S. Olympic shot put champion,
Michael Phelps said that he have suspected that some athletes were cheating but only in some cases those suspicions were confirmed. He said that it might be hard to give random tests but it is worth it to keep the sport clean and fair.
Michael Phelps also hopes another athlete breaks his record of 28 Olympic medals. He hopes that he or she should get a fair opportunity to compete to boost the confidence.
Michael Phelps was drug-tested 13 times before Rio Olympics. He was stunned to know that total of 1,913 athletes in 10 high-risk sports were not tested at all and in total 4,125 athletes had no record of testing before Rio. For more updates stay tuned with SWN!
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