The World Anti-Doping Agency has faced fierce backlash over its handling of positive test results from China's swimming team ahead of the 2021 Olympic Games. Accusations of a cover-up by national associations, "fake news" dismissals by China and denial of any double standard by the global watchdog ensued.

Again citing "no credible evidence of wrongdoing” in the handling of the positive tests of 23 swimmers from China before Tokyo 2021, World Anti-Doping Agency president Witold Banka referenced the case of Sun Yang, currently serving a four-year ban, and reprimanded “politically motivated” USADA.

The NY Times and ARD were the first to report on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s alleged mishandling of positive doping tests from Chinese swimmers before Tokyo 2021. Then came harsh pushback by the international governing body. Mounting uproar followed from USADA, Global Athlete and now Germany.

With four Sportsman of the Year awards, Novak Djokovic is one behind the record held by his former rival Roger Federer. The Serbian is on a shortlist of six alongside the likes of Armand Duplantis, Lionel Messi and Max Verstappen, while fellow tennis player Faith Kipyegon and Aitana Bonmati head the women's nominations.

In a growing tide of international backlash, the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa has expressed its disapproval of World Athletics' initiative to offer prize money to gold medallists in Paris 2024. A move it described as "repugnant to the fundamental principles of the Olympic Movement."