Michael Phelps Demands Harsher Penalties Amid Chinese Doping Scandal

“I did it the clean way,” the retired Olympian said. “I won 23 Olympic gold medals the clean way. It can be done.”

PARIS, France — Amid a recent Chinese doping controversy, Michael Phelps has renewed his calls for strict penalties, proposing a lifetime ban for any athlete caught using banned substances.

“If you test positive, you should never be allowed to come back and compete again,” Phelps asserted. “I believe one and done.”

The World Anti-Doping Agency and World Aquatics confirmed that 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for a banned substance before the Tokyo Olympics. This information only became public through recent media reports, with both organizations accepting China’s claims that the contamination came from tainted food.

Nine of these swimmers earned medals in Paris, including several in relay teams, prompting British swimmer Adam Peaty to criticize the unfairness of the situation.

Phelps echoed these concerns, insisting that any athlete who tests positive should not be allowed to compete, including those at the Tokyo and Paris Games.

“If everybody is not going through the same testing, it creates an unfair playing field,” he added. “If you take that risk, you don’t belong in here.”

During his career, Phelps faced rumors about potential doping. To dispel doubts, he underwent extra testing leading up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he won eight gold medals.

“I subjected myself to more frequent tests to prove my clean status,” Phelps recalled. “I won 23 Olympic gold medals the clean way. It can be done.”

Phelps noted that he suspected competitors of doping during his five Olympic appearances, where he won 28 medals overall.

After retiring post-2016 Rio Games, Phelps has been vocal about mental health and anti-doping. He testified before the U.S. Congress, urging comprehensive reforms to the global anti-doping system.

“Every country needs a unified testing method,” Phelps said. “If you test positive, you’re out for good.”

He empathizes with athletes like Peaty, whose British team finished fourth, losing to the Chinese in the men’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay.

“It’s heartbreaking to see honest athletes lose to cheaters,” Phelps commented. “It’s an injustice I will always stand against.”

Phelps offered a stark suggestion for rule-breakers.

“Go ahead and go to the cheater games,” he concluded. “Keep the Olympics about integrity.”