Russian hackers tried to take away four-time gold medalist Simone Biles’ #BlackGirlMagic by publicly releasing confidential records showing her use of methylphenidate, a.k.a. Ritalin, but the gymnast wasn’t having it.
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After the leaked data hit the Internet, Biles took to Twitter herself to tell the world she suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.
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“I have ADHD and I have taken medicine for it since I was a kid,” Biles, 19, wrote on Twitter. “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.”
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The data leak is a big deal because methylphenidate is on the World Anti-Doping Association’s list of banned substances for the Olympics.
But USA Gymnastics quickly stepped in to quiet any suspicions that Biles cheated her way through the 2016 Olympic games.
“Simone has filed the proper paperwork per USADA and WADA requirements, and there is no violation,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. Therefore, per protocol, it is OK for Biles and any other athlete to take medication – which may be on the prohibited drug list -- for an illness or condition as long as it’s officially disclosed and approved prior to the Olympics.
For people without ADHD, a stimulant like methylphenidate can increase hyperactivity and focus. But for Biles and others with ADHD, the drug lessens hyperactivity and limits distractions.
“Having ADHD, and taking medicine for it is nothing to be ashamed of,” Biles added on Twitter, “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 is among the more than 3 millions people living with ADHD. As she mentioned in her statement, ADHD begins in childhood. It’s incurable, but can be managed through treatment.
