World U20 sprint double champion Briana Williams has expressed appreciation for the love shown by fans after news broke of her positive test at Jamaica Trials.
Williams’ sample was found to have the banned diuretic, Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). She finished third at the Jamaica Trials in 10.94s.
“For everyone sending me messages of support, love and encouragement, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. It really means a lot to me,” Williams posted on social media Tuesday night.
Williams’ publicist, Tanya Lee, also posted a message supporting her athlete. “I stand with my athletes in moments of glory, and equally in moments of misfortune. Each, their own person, with their own triumphs and trials. It’s the nature of the sport that some days you win, some days you lose, and some days you stumble. But on no day will anyone from my team stand alone.
“Thanks to all who have reached out to express their love, concern and support for Briana at this time. As JAAA President Dr Blake expressed today, the explanation has been given, and the hope is that she is exonerated. Until then,” she wrote.
The use of Hydrochlorothiazide is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for its ability to mask the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Canadian based sports attorney Dr Emir Crown, who is representing Williams, plans to argue that the banned substance was contained in the contaminated over-the-counter medication for Cold and Flu. The medicine was declared on her doping control form.
Dr Crown explained: “The independent test confirmed the presence of a diuretic and the diuretic was not listed among the ingredients in that cold medicine that the athlete took,” local media quoted Dr Crowne.
The lawyer is still hoping Williams will get on Jamaica’s team to the Doha 2019 World Championships.
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