The Chinese authorities explained that a food poisoning occurred in a hotel and the World Anti-Doping Agency accepted those explanations, so no sanctions occurred. The International Olympic Committee supported WADA.

That position was heavily criticised, and by award-winning swimmers, including Ledecky from USA, who calls for more transparency and assures that their faith in anti-doping controls is the lowest “of all time”.

"I hope everyone here will compete clean this week. But what really matters is also, did they train clean?" she replied in a press conference, insisting that with these practices players gain advantage. That's why there are rules to keep the competition clean. “All we are asking is for these rules to be applied fairly and consistently throughout the world,” Ledecky said.

World Aquatics said last week that Chinese Olympic swimmers will be tested by the International Testing Agency ‘no fewer than eight times’ from 1 January 2024 until the start of the Paris Olympics.

Following rumours and accusations of widespread doping among Chinese swimmers at this year's Olympic Games, World Aquatics appears to be making good on its promise to test these athletes more frequently ahead of next week's competitions in Paris.

Criticism also comes from the US anti-doping agency, headed by Trevis Tygart, creating a conflict between the agency and WADA that has been one of the topics addressed at the IOC meeting in Paris on Wednesday. The international agency warned the US that the 2034  Winter Games in Salt Lake City could be suspended if this conflict continues and its “supreme authority” is not accepted.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Ledecky continues to train and feels optimistic about her competition on Saturday in the 400 meters at the La Defense Arena: "I feel I'm ready and ready for the race and that's all you can ask for."

Ledecky, the undisputed queen of the 800m and 1500m, will need to elevate her performance to surpass Australia's Ariarne Titmus in the shorter distance, as Titmus defeated her in Tokyo.

This year, Ledecky's best time is nearly three seconds slower than that of the Australian. Similarly, Canadian Summer McIntosh, a former world record holder herself, has also been a formidable competitor. Ledecky mentioned that both Titmus and Summer McIntosh have pushed her to continue improving.

Ledecky is aiming for a gold medal to cap off her competitive performance. She has set her sights on securing first place in her upcoming events, particularly as a strong conclusion to her current competition. Her focus is on achieving victory to end on a high note, solidifying her legacy and demonstrating her continued excellence in swimming.