Monaco, Nov 17 (IANS/CMC) Jamaica’s World Champion female sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is threatening to boycott competing in her effort to get more attention for the athletes on the island.
Fraser-Pryce believes that Jamaican athletes should continue to pressure the authorities to draw attention to their concerns.
“If there are certain things that are not up to standard, then that’s the thing we have to do because if we don’t run, they will start to do things,” said Fraser-Pryce ahead of the IAAF Gala and Awards Ceremony Saturady.
“If it comes down to actually not competing to make sure that things are up to scratch when it comes to facilities and different things in Jamaica, then I would (not run).”
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The Olympic and World champion also expressed her dissatisfaction with the lack of support from local officials especially during recent criticism of Jamaica’s anti-doping fiasco.
“You read articles and listen to persons make accusations and say all kinds of stuff about Jamaica and its athletes and there is no one there to get up, take a microphone and say, ‘What you are saying is a lie’,” the Olympic and World champion added.
“You have the information and the stats, defend us – that’s what you are there for. A lot of things that are said in the media are not true, but there is no one in our federation challenging it.” she said.
“They are just sitting back enjoying the benefits and the fruits of our labour, but when it’s time to actually do their jobs, they are not doing it,” she said.
“I am hurt, to some extent, but what can I do? I am not in charge of that area but as athletes, we wonder why when the international media and others make judgement statements about Jamaica, why isn’t our federation coming out and speaking up for us?” Fraser-Pryce asked.
Fraser-Pryce reiterated a plea to her colleagues in Jamaica to form an umbrella body to represent their interest and hopefully provide a unified voice to lobby for more support for athletes.
“We have issues with our young athletes who are getting involved with doping issues and nobody is there to speak on behalf of the athletes, nobody is there to give guidance and support, so I decided that this year that (athletes’ union) is something that we will be embarking on.”
“Somewhere where athletes can have a voice, can have refuge, where we can make a stand for a change.”
“Our young professional athletes need to be educated because they feel that once they are not taking a needle and sticking it into themselves, that it’s okay. They think it’s just okay to … take any multi-vitamin or supplement and it will be okay, and that’s not the case because with multi-vitamins and supplements, it’s a minefield!”
“There is no one in Jamaica looking to dope up intentionally to run fast. What’s happening is athletes are not checking the supplements that they use – no one is intentionally cheating.”
Fraser-Pryce and compatriot Usain Bolt won the World Athletes of the Year awards at the IAAF Gala Saturday.
–IANS/CMC
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