My Apologies

In June, I was notified by the BVI Athletic Association that a urine sample I provided at a competition in Brazil was tested positive for the substance Methylhexaneamine.  Due to this positive test finding, I was placed on a provisional suspension by the IAAF until a final sanction was made by the BVI Athletic Association's disciplinary team.  As a result, I was unable to attend the CAC Games and World Championships.  A final decision of a 6 month suspension from competition was given for my violation.

When I was notified about the findings of my sample, I was distraught because I felt that I did everything I should have done to stay away from all banned substances.  I always check the ingredients and labels on all the supplements I intake with the WADA prohibited list (a list with all banned substances during in and out of competition).  There are a number of things I struggled with in this situation.  The biggest one is getting tested positive and dealing with the fact that my integrity could be greatly jeopardized because of an unintentional mistake I made.   I also struggle with the fact that the substance, methylhexaneamine, was not listed as one of the ingredients on any of the supplements I took. Despite this, I am still held responsible for anything I put in my system. 

When I received the positive analytical finding, I did more research on the substance and learned that there are more than 10 synonym names for this substance.  One of the names are 1, 3 Dimethylamylamine which was listed on the supplement, OxyElite, that I used.  I was mad at myself for not knowing but also that the other names were not listed on the WADA prohibited website that I used to check the ingredients in my supplements.  There is no way in this world I would have used that supplement if I had known that one of the ingredients in the supplement was banned.  I make it my business to check all my supplements and report all the supplements that I take on my drug sheet during doping test.  And OxyElite was one of them that I did not neglect to list.

I know that some of you may be thinking why did you use the supplement in the first place.  To be honest, it was a supplement that I used for the first time in May.  It was recommend by a sales representative for a supplement I took previously that they didn't have.  Since it was a new supplement I did my normal routine check and when I didn't see any of the names that was on the container listed on the WADA website, I thought it was ok to take. 

Some of you, probably most, if not all of you may be disappointed with me.  It is understandable because I was also disappointed and hurt that something like this happened when I tried my hardest to follow all the rules and stay away from all banned substances.  I am a 100% believer of a drug free sport and despite my mess up I still am and support WADA efforts to clean up the sport.  

I would like to apologize for my mistake and any negativity it may have caused you and the people and my country.  Even though I wish none of this ever happened, there is nothing I can do to change it.  I have to accept and take responsibility for my actions despite my lack of intent to use a banned substance.  My next step is to move forward and not let this incident destroy me and my athletic career.  I would definitely be more careful and make sure that nothing like this ever happens again.  I pray that you would find it in your heart to move pass this situation and not think that I used a banned substance to enhance my performance.  In no way or form is that the case.  I work hard and diligently to accomplish all my achievement the right way and nothing I have done is and will never be credited for the use of enhancing drug.  And to also clarify, the substance I used was not a steroid or performance enhancer, it is actually classified as a weak stimulant that is prohibited during competition.   

Tahesia Harrigan-Scott