US DOJ dismisses case against Olympian David Hearn

The U.S. Department of Justice announced Wednesday that it will dismiss the criminal case it filed against Olympic swimmer David Hearn, ending a legal battle that began in early 2024. The case, which alleged that Hearn had engaged in a scheme to obtain illicit performance‑enhancing substances and falsify competition records, had been under investigation for more than a year. In a brief filing, the DOJ cited insufficient evidence to meet the burden of proof required for prosecution and indicated that the agency would not pursue any further action against the athlete.

Hearn’s legal team welcomed the decision, stating that the dismissal clears his name and allows him to focus on his upcoming training for the 2028 Summer Games. Federal prosecutors did not comment further, and no appeal of the dismissal is expected. The case’s closure underscores the department’s ongoing review of high‑profile sports‑related investigations and signals that future actions will hinge on the strength of evidentiary support.