Russian athlete Svetlana Veselova says she is “suing the CrossFit Games” after the organisation banned her for 4 years for a failed drug test after the 2023 CrossFit Games in which she finished 5th in the 35-39 year-old category.
On September 14th, CrossFit announced that Svetlana Veselova was banned for 4 years after providing a sample that contained Meldonium. This illegal substance increases and improves blood flow by reducing oxygen consumption within cellular structures.
According to Svetlana, she knew she took Meldonium and CrossFit also knew that well in advance before she went to compete at the 2023 CrossFit Games. Svetlana explained it all in a now-deleted Instagram post. The twist of the story is that the substances she took were prescribed by her doctor after she had emergency surgery.
“As prescribed by the doctors, I actually took Meldonium, it helped my body recover faster after a serious operation,” she wrote. “I notified the management of the CrossFit Games in writing […] provided all the certificates and documents that were requested.”
“The management of the CrossFit Games were notified of the state in which I entered the competition, did not interfere with this and, in my opinion, acted poorly in making the decision to disqualify me.”
According to the athlete, CrossFit never replied to her messages regarding her situation and allowed her to compete anyway, only to later disqualify her for taking Meldonium.
She believes this unfair treatment of her could be linked to her being Russian. “I will not tolerate selective treatment of athletes based on nationality.” She finishes her post by claiming she is suing the CrossFit Games to fight for fair treatment of every athlete.
Svetlana Veselova Suing CrossFit Games Post
Below, you will find what she wrote on her Instagram post. The post was originally in Russian, but translated by The Barbell Spin.
Source: Svetlana Veselova IGI’m suing the CrossFit Games.
In recent days, information has been actively spreading in our community that I am taking doping. In my doping tests, they found meldonium, a metabolism-improving agent, an analogue of gamma-butyrobetaine, and I was disqualified.
The management of the CrossFit Games were notified of the state in which I entered the competition, did not interfere with this and, in my opinion, acted poorly in making the decision to disqualify me. Therefore, I am ready to tell the whole truth, in which every athlete recognizes himself.
On June 20, 2023, I was hospitalized and had emergency surgery. A month before the competition. As prescribed by the doctors, I actually took meldonium, it helped my body recover faster after a serious operation. I notified the management of the CrossFit Games in writing that, precisely as prescribed by doctors and for a speedy recovery, I took a drug that was part of the prohibited drug. Provided all the certificates and documents that were requested.
Just a month after the most difficult operation, I performed on par with all the athletes, without demanding special treatment or concessions. And took 5th place in the group.
After the competition, the commission considered my arguments unconvincing and disqualified me. This is not just a disqualification, but an inability to develop as an athlete for the next few years. Which means the end of a career.
I will not tolerate selective treatment of athletes based on nationality. Every person, no matter what gender, nationality or skin color, has the right to fair judging. To respect his rights.
And that is why I will not remain silent. I am suing the CrossFit Games to fight for fair treatment for every athlete. And I will honestly share my successes and failures here. @crossfitgames @thebarbellspin
Read More: 10 PEDs Banne by CrossFit and How They Affect the Human Body
Image Sources
- Svetlana Veselova (1): Svetlana Veselova IG
- Svetlana Veselova (2): Svetlana Veselova IG