The US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has added yet another requirement for the athletes to meet, on top of their rigorous training and workout regimens, in preparation for the upcoming season and the Olympics in Paris next year. On their new platform, the agency mandates that athletes update their whereabouts, including dates, times, and locations, for their dope testing.
After learning of this new requirement, American Sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson then took to her Instagram stories to voice out her concerns about the platform.
The World Champion has always been known for advocating for athletes’ rights. A glance at her history shows that she’s not only an outstanding sprinter in tracks; she’s also a strong-willed athlete who is intolerant of injustice or any kind of shady or questionable activity.’
Richardson on USADA
And she demonstrated it once more this time. Richardson immediately took to Instagram to protest USADA’s new platform. She wondered why no one had explained to them why they needed to update USADA on their whereabouts. She remarked that it was essentially forced upon them without explanation and at such a critical moment.
“Basically, I just feel like it’s definitely not in the best interest for the athlete, and going as it is into the Olympic year, very very crucial, so nothing unnecessary should be added on top of our plates.”
Richardson added on to explain that the athletes now have no choice but to adapt and learn because no one from USADA or World Athletics has explained anything to them.
🌶️ Sha’carri Richardson speaks out about the new whereabouts changes, the lack of communication/explanation from the organizations about it prior to Paris 2024 and how they don’t have the athlete’s best interest. pic.twitter.com/HBHjz4Rf2C
— Track Spice 🌶️ (@trackspice) December 13, 2023
Ashley Spencer’s USADA post
Richardson also shared Olympic bronze medalist Ashley Spencer’s post on Instagram, as they shared the same sentiment regarding USADA. In Spencer’s post, she stated that it was hard to believe in a system that had so many flaws and that it was terrifying to think that there are people out there who would do anything to sabotage the athletes who represent this country.
She also recounted a time where she heard a doping control officer say, “I’m going to do everything in my power to get that athlete suspended.”
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Cover Photo: IG