Jamaican sprint queen, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, says she is hurt by the recent criticism of Jamaica's anti-doping efforts and believes that local authorities need to do a lot more to defend and show that they actually care about the athletes that represent the country.
This is a big reason behind her efforts to rally the island's athletes to form a union, which she hopes will provide a unified voice and help to lobby for greater educational, financial and social support for upcoming athletes.
Fraser-Pryce, speaking yesterday to journalists during the build-up to today's IAAF Gala and Awards Ceremony, where she is nominated for the World Female Athlete of the Year Award, as reported yesterday bywww.jamaica-gleaner.com, has also stated that she is prepared to refuse to run in order to bring greater attention to the issues that she believes have been ignored by Jamaican track and field officials.
"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.
'DO YOUR JOB'
"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, or whatever, challenging it.
"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," Fraser-Pryce blasted.
The athlete believes that administrators need to take greater care of the development of the country's athletes and provide better infrastructure and general aid.
"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," said Fraser-Pryce.
"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."
NO RUNNING
The 26-year-old also threatened to refuse to run if the situation did not change, and said she believed that if the position is widely supported, it will help to force the authorities to address the 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. "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).
"It depends on what it is that we are standing for. If it's a case where we are seeking support for athletes, in terms of accessing information or medical support, then to get the attention, I would," Fraser-Pryce noted.
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