On Thursday, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced a new program offering free syringes to athletes who were caught doping and are now working as informants. The news about athletes who were caught doping and are now working for USADA was revealed in a Reuters article on Wednesday.
The needle exchange program is unique in the sports world and aims to ensure that athletes facing financial difficulties due to lack of funding do not share syringes and risk spreading diseases.
Announcement follows WADA criticism
The initiative follows criticism from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which condemned USADA for allowing athletes who violated drug rules to compete without sanctions in exchange for information on other violators. This practice, which conflicts with both the World Anti-Doping Code and USADA’s own regulations, undermines the integrity of sports competition. WADA stated, “This scheme threatened the Code’s integrity, and USADA was in clear breach of the rules. Contrary to USADA’s claims, WADA did not approve of allowing drug cheats to compete while seeking evidence against others.”
USADA defended the program, which involved at least three athletes who committed serious doping violations and were allowed to compete for years as informants. One athlete, for example, competed in Olympic qualifiers and international events after admitting to using steroids and EPO, but was permitted to continue competing until retirement.
USADA comments on WADA’s words
“It’s an effective way to address these bigger, systemic problems,” USADA Chief Executive Travis Tygart told Reuters. “If agents or others are preying on athletes and trafficking, I think it’s totally appropriate.”
To support the informants, Tygart said they will be provided with needles if they wish to continue using PEDs during undercover work.
“Look, we already know they doped, so it really doesn’t matter if they want to continue,” Tygart explained. “In fact, we think it’s good for them to continue the practice, as this way they can gather more intel about drug use in their sport, as well as suppliers.”
Needle exchange to start immediately
The program is modeled after needle exchanges used by individuals who use recreational drugs. These exchanges provide clean syringes to reduce the spread of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis and offer a range of health services, including addiction treatment and counseling, to support long-term…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…