Publications
Partners
Los Angeles - Venus Williams voiced dismay on Tuesday after
Russian hackers who broke into the World Anti-Doping Agency database released
details of her confidential medical records.
The veteran tennis superstar was one of four US athletes
targeted by Russian hacking group Fancy Bears in a cyber-attack that has been
widely criticized.
Sister Serena Williams, US Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and
women's basketball player Elena Delle Donne also saw their records published by
the group.
"I was disappointed to learn today that my private,
medical data has been compromised by hackers and published without my permission,"
Williams said in a statement.
The released records detailed examples of where Williams had
applied for therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs) which allowed her to use certain
medications banned by WADA.
The use of exemptions is standard practice in the sports
world and is not regarded as a doping offence.
"The applications 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," Williams said.
"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 (US Anti-Doping Agency), the ITF (International Tennis Federation) and collectively the Tennis Anti-Doping Program."
