Yesterday, CrossFit HQ released a list of athletes who were in breach of their drug policy following the 2018 CrossFit Regionals competition. This list originally included 13 names (but has increased to 14 as of now with the addition of Gena Malkovskiy) and had five athletes that were 2018 Reebok CrossFit Games bound (2 individual and 3 team).
Among the Games bound athletes was Emily Abbott, a 4-time CrossFit Games athlete, and first place finisher at the 2018 CrossFit Regionals West competition. On CrossFit’s list, they state Abbott tested positive for ibutamoren, which is labeled as an anabolic agent. Since the publication of this list, Abbott has released a statement on her Instagram page that’s embedded and copied below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlTpzhBA-JN
The post below is a direct quote from Abbott’s Instagram post.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, July 16, 2018 Calgary, Alberta, Canada
The CrossFit Games issued its decision suspending CrossFit athlete Emily Abbott from competition from June 22, 2018 until June 21, 2022.
Despite her detailed explanation and supporting evidence of how ibutamoren came to be in her sample, the CrossFit Games entirely disregarded Ms. Abbott’s explanation and imposed the maximum possible sanction, without even granting her a hearing.
In responding to the CrossFit Games’ decision, Ms. Abbott stated as follows: “I am beyond disappointed and frustrated that the organization I have dedicated so much of my life to has basically ignored my explanation for my inadvertent exposure to ibutamoren. I have proudly represented the sport as an advocate of clean eating and a healthy lifestyle, and would never knowingly take any banned substance. I strongly disagree with this unfair decision, and will be exploring all of my options.”
As of right now, there’s been no further context shared from Abbott’s perspective regarding interaction with CrossFit HQ on the matter.
Feature image from @abbott.the.red Instagram page.
