China’s Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) has accused the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) of displaying double standards by clearing American athletes of doping violations while demanding sanctions against Chinese athletes. In a statement released on Tuesday, CHINADA criticized USADA for attempting to exonerate U.S. athletes while accusing CHINADA and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) of “covering up the truth.”

The controversy centers on U.S. sprinting star Erriyon Knighton, who tested positive for the banned steroid trenbolone during an out-of-competition test on March 26. Despite this, USADA decided not to impose any sanctions on Knighton, citing contaminated meat as the cause of the positive result. This decision allowed Knighton to compete in the Paris Olympics.

CHINADA’s statement highlighted unresolved suspicions about Knighton’s case. It pointed out that trenbolone is a powerful anabolic agent not commonly found as a contaminant. While many athletes worldwide have received four-year bans for similar offenses, three American athletes, including Knighton, have avoided sanctions by claiming food contamination.

The statement also questioned USADA’s investigation process, noting that the agency detected trenbolone in a different batch of beef from the same restaurant where Knighton allegedly consumed contaminated meat. CHINADA called for comprehensive market research and data collection on trenbolone contamination if it is a widespread issue.

CHINADA criticized USADA’s approach, stating that it undermines the principles of fairness and clean sport. The agency accused the U.S. of politicizing anti-doping efforts and using them to deflect attention from its own doping problems.

CHINADA urged USADA to stop fabricating false narratives, politicizing anti-doping issues, and manipulating public perception. The statement called on USADA to align its practices with global anti-doping goals and restore international trust in its work.