News got out that the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) was hacked by Russian hackers who gained medical information of several Olympic competitors. The Fancy Bears Hack Team publicized downloadable copies of records that was said to be from WADA's Anti-Doping Administration and Management System (ADAMS).
Reports from The Atlantic shared that WADA explained that the hackers was able to access their system by spear-phishing attack of email accounts. They devised emails that looked as though they are from someone familiar.
Unknowingly, someone was already trying to crack passwords and other protected information. Olivier Niggli, director general for WADA, reported that law enforcement tracked the hacking coming from Russia. Niggli said, "Let it be known that these criminal acts are greatly compromising the effort by the global anti-doping community to re-establish trust in Russia."
One of the data that was illegally obtained was from the 2016 Olympic gymnast and all-around, vault and floor gold medalist, Simone Biles. It is revealed that Biles was tested and found positive of methylphenidate, commonly known as Ritalin. This drug is used to treat ADHD or attention-deficit disorders.
Biles was very vocal about her condition, stating in an inteview with Elle, "I have ADHD and I have taken medicine for it since I was a kid." She added on her post 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."
WADA forbids the use of the said drug. However, USA Gymnastics were quick to defend the famous Olympian stating that Biles has been exempted from the ban.
President Steve Penny explained, "Simone has filed the proper paperwork per USADA and WADA requirements, and there is no violation," he also emphasized, "Simone and everyone at USA Gymnastics believe in the importance of a level playing field for all athletes."
Whatever Biles' condition is, she has proven her excellence in gymnastics long before. As we quote, "Having ADHD, and taking medicine for it is nothing to be ashamed of," Biles tweeted. "[It's] nothing that I'm afraid to let people know."
Alongside with Simone Biles, medical results of Serena and Venus Williams, and Elena Delle Donne, were also leaked. Just this August, hackers also access the medical records of Yuliya Stepanova, the Russian athlete connected to uncovering details of a state-sponsored doping scheme in Russia. Stepanova was believed to have moved residency due to the attack.
