Michael Phelps, top swimmers wanted more anti-doping tests
Twenty-two time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps and 22 other American swimmers sent a letter to the sport's top governing agency demanding more anti-doping testing before the Rio Olympics, according to a letter obtained by the BBC.
Phelps and others signed a letter sent to the International Swimming Federation (FINA) in December, making the "urgent request," which would include collecting urine and blood samples for testing.
The letter was also signed by Camille Adams, Nathan Adrian, Michael Chadwick, Tyler Clary, Kevin Cordes, Conor Dwyer, Missy Franklin, Matt Grevers, Jessica Hardy, Chase Kalisz, Caitlin Leverenz, Ryan Lochte, Simone Manuel, Katie Meili, Cody Miller, Lia Neal, David Nolan, Allison Schmitt, Josh Schneider, Tom Shields, Austin Surhoff and Kelsi Worrell.
"We have learned from the WADA [World Anti-Doping Agency] independent commission that state-sponsored doping in Russia involved athletes from sports other than just athletics, including swimmers," the letter said. "We also know there are a number of top swimmers from other countries where there has been a history of doping, and many would question the effectiveness of their national anti-doping organizations."
The swimmers called for at least six targeted, out-of-competition tests for top-10 swimmers in each Olympic event before the Rio Games.
Seven Russian swimmers were still allowed to compete in the Olympics after initially being banned from the games, including Yulia Efimova, who received a 16-month competition ban for testing positive for a banned substance. Efimova has won a silver medal in both the 100 meter and 200 meter breaststroke in the Rio Olympics.
– Scooby Axson
