Olympic gold medallist Simone Biles is speaking out after Russian hackers leaked her confidential drug-testing documents.
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The Russian cyber espionage group called Fancy Bear, published records of “Therapeutic Use Exemptions” (TUEs), which allow athletes to use otherwise-banned substances if they have a verified medical reason to do so.
Biles’ name was part of the hack, and as a result, she revealed that she has ADHD and has taken medicine since her childhood.
Dr. Ashton said that in her medical opinion this kind of medication would not give an athlete an edge.
A hack of the World Anti-Doping Agency has drawn attention to the commonly prescribed medications that are prohibited for use during the Olympics without a medical waiver.
Gold medalist Simone Biles of the United States celebrates on the podium at the medal ceremony for the Women’s Floor on Day 11 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Rio Olympic Arena on August 16, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Now, Simone Biles is coming to her own defense regarding her ADHD and her use for the medication.
Travis Tygart, CEO of the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) joined WADA and the International Olympic Committee in condemning the hack, describing it as “cyber bullying”.
Before that, Simone had released another incredible statement, this one more detailed, explaining that she has had ADHD for her whole life, and that she is an honest athlete who believes in “clean sport”. According to US Weekly, athletes Venus and Serena Williams, as well as basketball player Elena Delle Donne, were also targeted. As we quote, “Having ADHD, and taking medicine for it is nothing to be ashamed of”, Biles tweeted. “The athletes haven’t. In fact, in each of the situations, the athlete has done everything right in adhering to the global rules for obtaining permission to use a needed medication”.
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The International Olympic Committee said it “strongly condemns such methods which clearly aim at tarnishing the reputation of clean athletes”.
