119 Russian athletes were banned for doping prior to the Rio Olympics by the World Anti Doping Agency, so this action appears to be an act of revenge. Russian hackers were able to break into the WADA database and steal medical records for dozens of Olympic athletes including Serena Williams, Venus Williams and Simone Biles.
The published details revealed that Venus, Serena, and Simone Biles were granted exceptions by WADA, that allowed them to take prescription medication that is on the banned substance list. The exemptions mean that these ladies were not cheating by taking medications to treat ADHD, inflammation, allergies and other common ailments.
According to the New York Times, the United States Doping Agency made the following statement:
The United States Anti-Doping Agency said Tuesday the American athletes in question had sought the requisite approvals to take typically prohibited substances, and that none of the drug positives constituted a violation.
The drugs mentioned in the athletes’ documents are commonly prescribed medications designed to treat ailments including pain and allergies.
Even though the allegations by the Russian hacking group that stole the information are not true, Simone Biles released a statement in order to defend her integrity.
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) September 13, 2016
The International Tennis Federation made the following statement which confirmed that Venus and Serena also had been granted exemptions:
“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,” said Travis T. Tygart, president of the United States Anti-Doping Agency. “It’s unthinkable that in the Olympic movement, hackers would illegally obtain confidential medical information in an attempt to smear athletes to make it look as if they have done something wrong.”
Venus Williams released a statement as well.
Venus Williams releases a statement in response to today's hack of WADA which leaked her (+Serena's) TUE records: pic.twitter.com/z2RAVNt6fM
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) September 13, 2016
This hack is very unfortunate to all of the athletes that had their medical information leaked. Though all of these ladies played by the rules, and were never accused of or charged with any wrong doing, these hackers may have casted doubt in the minds of people with preconceived notions about why these women are so dominant. The initial response from WADA,USADA and the ITF has been good, but more efforts will be needed to ensure that the legacies of these ladies are not unfairly tarnished by these criminals.
