Fraser- Pryce hurt by JA DOPING CRITICISM
Jamaican sprint queen Shelly- Ann FraserPryce says she is hurt by the recent criticism of Jamaica’s anti- doping efforts and believes that local authorities need to do a lot more to defend and show that they actually care about the athletes that represent the country.
This is a big reason behind her efforts to rally the island’s athletes and form a union, which she hopes will provide a unified voice, what she termed as ‘ refuge’ and help to lobby for greater educational, financial and social support for upcoming athletes.
Fraser- Pryce, speaking yesterday to journalists during the build- up to today’s IAAF Gala and Awards ceremony, also stated that she is prepared to refuse to run in order to bring greater attention to the issues that she believes have been ignored by Jamaican track and field officials.
“I am hurt, to some extent, but what can I do? I am not in charge of that area, but as athletes we wonder why when the international media and others make judgement statements about Jamaica, why aren’t our federation coming out and speaking up for us?” Fraser- Pryce asked.
“You read articles and listen to persons make accusations and say all kinds of stuff about Jamaica and its athletes and there is no one there to get up, take a mic and say “What you are saying is a lie,” the Olympic and World champion added.
“You have the information and the stats, defend us, that’s what you are there for. A lot of things that are said in the media are not true, but there is no one in our federation or whatever challenging it.”
“They are just sitting back enjoying the benefits and the fruits of our labour, but when its time to actually do their jobs they are not doing it,” Fraser- Pryce blasted.
The athlete believes that administrators need to take greater care of the development of the country’s athletes and provide better infrastructure and general aid.
YOUNG ATHLETES
“We have issues with our young athletes who are getting involved with doping issues and nobody is there to speak on behalf of the athletes, nobody is there to give guidance and support, so I decided that this year that’s ( athletes’ union) something that we will be embarking on,” said FraserPryce.
“Somewhere where athletes can have a voice, can have refuge, where we can make a stand for a change.
“There is no one in Jamaica looking to dope up intentionally to run fast. What’s happening is athletes are not checking the supplements that they use, no one is intentionally cheating,” she explained.
The 26- year- old also threatened to refuse to run if the situation doesn’t change, and believe that if the position is widely supported, it will help to force the authorities to address the concerns.
“If there are certain things that are not up to standard then that’s the thing we have to do because if we don’t run, they will start to do things,” said FraserPryce. “If it comes down to actually not competing to make sure that things are up to scratch when it comes to facilities and different things in Jamaica then I would ( not run).”