Designed and implemented by the independent International Testing Agency (ITA), the extensive programme encompasses a wide range of tests conducted both in and out of competition for all aquatic athletes involved in swimming, water polo, diving, artistic swimming, open water swimming, and high diving

According to World Aquatics, it has now conducted over 2,100 anti-doping tests on athletes participating in these six aquatic sports at this summer’s Olympic Games since the start of 2024.

Meanwhile, the number stands at a total of 4,774 tests taken in total including tests from other anti-doping organisations, with aquatics athletes competing in Paris tested an average of 3.4 times.  

There has been an expected emphasis on the Chinese Olympic swimming team who have reportedly undergone nearly 200 tests during their first 10 days in Paris.

World Aquatics revealed that since the start of 2024, the 31 Chinese swimmers competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics have been tested a minimum of 10 times overall with an average of 13 tests per swimmer and 418 tests for the Chinese swimming squad in total.

“All Chinese swimmers have been tested out-of-competition at least eight times by World Aquatics, independently of any other anti-doping organisation and using a WADA-accredited laboratory based in Europe” wrote World Aquatics.

By comparison, swimmers representing the United States have been tested an average of six times since the start of the year, and swimmers in the Australian Olympic squad an average of four times.  

"It is our top priority that our athletes compete in a clean and fair competition," said Husain Al-Musallam, President of World Aquatics. "Our rigorous testing programme reflects our dedication to upholding the highest standards of integrity in aquatic sports and we are grateful for the ITA’s partnership in conducting it.”