Michael Phelps testifies to Congress about anti-doping standards

Decorated Olympian Michael Phelps testified in front of Congress on Tuesday about the need for tougher anti-doping standards in sports.

According to the Baltimore Sun, he told the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, "Throughout my career, I have suspected that some athletes were cheating, and in some cases those suspicions were confirmed. Given all the testing I, and so many others, have been through, I have a hard time understanding this."

Phelps also said, "I can't describe how frustrating it is to see another athlete break through performance barriers in unrealistic time frames, knowing what I had to go through to do it. I watched how this affected my teammates too. Even the suspicion of doping is disillusioning for clean athletes."

The swimmer proceeded to describe the amount of documentation he was required to fill out by the United States Anti-Doping Agency before saying, "This whole process takes a toll, but it's absolutely worth it to keep the sport clean and fair...All athletes must be held to the same standards, which need to be implemented and enforced with consistency and independence."

Shot putter Adam Nelson also testified about his disappointment at receiving his gold medal in a food court years after he competed as the original winner was disqualified for suspected doping, notes ABC News.

Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history, has indicated that he would continue to speak up about the issue now that he has retired.