Ever since an independent body found that Russia has committed multiple doping violations in recent years, it was only time before they struck back.
Their retaliation occurred on Tuesday when a cyber group going by the name of Fancy Bear hacked the WADA databases. During their attack, the group was able to highlight some high profile American athletes that have benefited from the Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) policy, including the Williams sisters.
Prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisone, hydromorphone and oxycodone were the substances taken by Serena and Venus between 2010-2015. These are all banned drugs, however, they were allowed to consume them under the TUE policy. The TUE rule can be followed if there is medical evidence to support that a banned substance is required to be taken by an athlete in order to protect their health.
It is understood that both sisters used the drugs as painkillers and anti-inflammatories. Meanwhile, Venus also took medication for Asthma. According to Fancy Bear, the sisters committed ‘legal doping’ in sport and claimed that the governing bodies were ‘corrupt.’
The revelations come as Maria Sharapova awaits the verdict of her appeal against a two-year doping ban after testing positive for Meldonium. Some have argued that the former world No.1 is being made an example of, however, she is still not in the same boat as the Williams sisters.
Not once did the sisters intend to hide or cover up that fact they were taking these substances. They both had medical evidence to justify taking them to qualify for the TUE rule. On Tuesday evening Venus hit back at the claims.
“I have followed the rules established under the Tennis Anti-Doping Program in applying for, and being granted, “therapeutic use exemptions”. The application for TUEs under the Tennis Anti-Doping program require a strict process for approval which I have adhered to when serious medical conditions have occurred. The exemptions posted in the hacked report are reviewed by an anonymous, independent group of doctors, and approved for legitimate medical reasons. I am one of the strongest supporters of maintaining the highest level of integrity in competitive sport and I have been highly disciplined in following the guidelines set by WADA, USADA, the ITF and collectively the Tennis Anti-Doping Program.” She said in a statement
On the other hand, Sharapova honourably admitted that she made a mistake when she failed to check that Meldonium became banned this year. Her honesty was praised by many, but it doesn’t change the reality. Failing to write that she was consuming the drug on seven anti-doping control forms between 2014-2016 is inexcusable. It seems crazy to say that the Williams sisters are no different to Sharapova, which Fancy Bear is trying to argue.
The scrutiny shouldn’t be placed on the Williams sisters or even Sharapova following the latest hack. The scrutiny should be placed on WADA. Once again highly confidential information has been leaked from their website months after Russia whistleblower Yuliya Stepanova had her WADA account hacked, revealing her whereabouts. It is worrying that the world is meant to trust an agency with safeguarding the integrity of sport when they can’t keep their own records safe.
As for Fancy Bear, whatever they uncover next will still have no impact on the athletes that missed out on previous Olympic medals due to the illegal Russian state-sponsored system. It is time for Russia and the USA to stop bickering and start working together to protect the reputation of sports such as tennis. Until this happens, doping will continue in sport.
