Venus Williams: I have followed the rules

Omnisports

September 13, 2016 3:59 AM

Having been among those targeted by a cyber-attack on WADA, Venus Williams said: "I have been highly disciplined in following the guidelines set."

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Venus Williams has expressed her disappointment after her medical data was obtained in a cyber-attack, while emphasising she has broken no rules in relation to doping.

On Tuesday, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) revealed it has been hacked by a Russian cyber espionage group going by the name of Tsar Team (APT28) - also known as Fancy Bear.

The Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, and gymnastics superstar Simone Biles - a four-time gold medallist at Rio 2016 - are among the athletes whose information has been accessed by the group.

There is no evidence of any wrongdoing by the athletes involved, with the hackers having disclosed instances where therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs) have been granted, enabling competitors to use medications for legitimate reasons.

In a statement released by the WTA, Venus Williams said: "I was disappointed to learn that my private, medical data has been compromised by hackers and published without my permission.

"I have followed the rules established under the Tennis Anti-Doping Program in applying for, and being granted, 'therapeutic use exemptions'.

"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. The exemptions posted in the hacked report are reviewed by an anonymous, independent group of doctors, and approved for legitimate medical reasons.

"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, [the United States Anti-Doping Agency] the ITF [International Tennis Federation] and collectively the Tennis Anti-Doping Program."

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