The world of sports is a beautiful place where the boundaries of human potential are pushed. In this world, there are often shadows of darkness and controversies. This was seen when the doping of Russian athletes resulted in the stripping of 48 Olympic medals from Russia and Russian-associated teams. Due to widespread violations, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) imposed a ban in 2019. This ban prevented the Russian Federation from participating in all major sporting events, including the Olympic Games, for four years.

In 2020, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced the ban period to two years. Despite this reduction, competitors from Russia are allowed to participate in international competitions under a neutral flag and designation. However, in a recent stir-up, a Russian embassy account pointed fingers at America and sports icons, Simone Biles and Serena Williams for the USA’s ‘State-Sponsored’ Doping System.

Russia stirs up allegations against USA’s icons

A post on X by the Russian Embassy in South Africa (@EmbassyofRussia) discussed allegations of doping by American icons such as Serena Williams and Simone Biles. The post read, “In 2016, WADA documents were leaked on the Internet, revealing that both Serena Williams and Simone Biles used doping–under the so-called “Therapeutic Use Exemptions” (TUEs). ” TUE’s are permissions given by anti-doping agencies for the use of substances for legitimate medical reasons and a prior application sent to avoid an unfair advantage. The post claimed that Serena Williams received TUEs for corticosteroids and a narcotic pain𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁er in 2014 and 2015. And alleged that Simone Biles tested positive for methylphenidate, a banned substance, during the Rio Olympics.

Further, that post also mentioned how the Norwegian team doctor, Uwe Verangen, stated that many of the athletes on the Norwegian cross-country ski team had asthma and used medication following WADA regulations. Then, to further push the point, the embassy suggested, “Does anybody want to investigate into ‘state-sponsored doping system’ in these countries?“ However, it is important to note that this post comes despite Simone Biles explaining the reason behind the use of her medication.

How Simone Biles addressed her use of medication

Back in 2016, according to ABC News, there was a leak of confidential medical records from the WADA’s database that revealed Simone Biles’ use of methylphenidate under TUE’s. WADA requires athletes to file for a therapeutic use exemption, allowing the use of a prohibited drug if there’s a medical diagnosis. Biles had permission to use methylphenidate from the International Gymnastics Federation.

Simone Biles took to Twitter, sharing, “I have ADHD and I have taken medicine for it since I was a kid. Please know, I believe in clean sport, have always followed the rules, and will continue to do so as fair play is critical to sport and is very important to me.” Due to the leak, Biles was forced to publicly address her medical condition. She later again reiterated in a tweet, “Having ADHD, and taking medicine for it is nothing to be ashamed of nothing that I’m afraid to let people know.” 

Despite these clarifications and TUE’s issued, the recent claims by the Russian Embassy in South Africa have once again stirred the internet, highlighting the issues that have been previously addressed.