Simone Biles (Wikipedia)
Simone Biles confirmed she takes medication for ADHD after Russian hackers publicly released private medical records of U.S. Olympians. The five-time Olympic medalist posted two messages about her diagnosis Sept. 14.
In order to clarify her use of ADHD drugs, Biles said she has taken them since she was a child.
“Please know I believe in clean sport, have always followed the rules and will continue to do so,” she said.
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) September 13, 2016
In a follow-up message, Biles shared having ADHD and treating the condition is “nothing to be ashamed of” and “nothing that I’m afraid to let people know.”
Having ADHD, and taking medicine for it is nothing to be ashamed of nothing that I'm afraid to let people know.
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) September 13, 2016
Biles also shared USA Gymnastics’ tweet about the personal file reveal.
USA Gymnastics statement regarding Simone Biles and WADA hack: pic.twitter.com/YTq2iVS7Vu
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) September 13, 2016
The statement said Biles provided the “proper paperwork” for medications she took that are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Those prescriptions are part of the Therapeutic Use Exemption.
“By virtue of the TUE, Biles has not broken any drug-testing regulations, including at the Olympic Games in Rio,” the agency declared in part.
WADA disclosed the hacking Tuesday, saying a “Russian cyber espionage group” called Fancy Bear was responsible. The agency said it “extended its investigation with the relevant law enforcement authorities.”
Documents revealed personal health information about Biles and other Rio participants like Venus and Serena Williams.
According to The Huffington Post, the documents alleged Biles tested positive for methylphenidate – known as Ritalin. Data also claims Serena uses drugs like anti-inflammatories to treat muscle injuries. Additionally, it points to medication waved for Venus.
“These criminal acts are greatly compromising the effort by the global antidoping community to re-establish trust in Russia,” WADA’s director general, Olivier Niggli told The New York Times.
Regardless, Fancy Bear wrote on their website they plan to release more athlete’s records.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” they said explaining their goal. “Today’s sport is truly contaminated while the world is unaware of the large number of American doping athletes.”
