Katie Ledecky Is Tracked By USADA Everyday: ”Been Tested Over 150 Times”

Katie Ledecky supports USADA’s rigorous methods. As the Paris Olympics are coming close, the doping scandal has ravaged the athletic world. In a recent shocking revelation, as many as 23 Chinese athletes were accused of doping. And what was even more baffling was that these athletes were allowed to compete at the Tokyo Olympics and some of them even won medals! This incident not only rocked the belief of fans but also created a rift between the WADA and the USADA. 

While the WADA has justified their decision by citing lack of evidence, USADA directly took potshots. They accused WADA of covering up the results and keeping them “under the carpet”. On the other hand, USADA has been notorious for having a rigorous testing schedule. Their policy of getting the athletes tested without prior notice multiple times has generated heat from prominent icons such as Conor McGregor. But surprisingly, commenting on the matter, US female swimming icon Katie Ledecky has ruled in favor of USADA despite being ‘tracked’. 

Katie Ledecky has no compunctions being hounded by USADA 

Katie Ledecky is just 3 Olympic gold medals away from being the most decorated female athlete in history. And staring down at history in Paris, it is only natural for an icon of Ledecky’s caliber to have customized testing preferences. But Ledecky is not someone who shirks away from hard work. Thus, in her recently published book, ‘Just Add Water’, Katie Ledecky took time out to comment on USADA’s constant tracking. 

Speaking about her testing schedule, Ledecky mentioned that the frequency is sometimes too much. She said, “I’ve been tested for more than twelve years, about twenty-five times a year. Just within the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, I’ve been tested over 150 times. All to say, I’ve been tested a lot.” Ledecky then pointed out the fact that she is also being tested by the World Aquatics other than USADA. Thus, it almost comes down to two tests a month. 

The 7x Olympic gold medalist then went on to express her opinion about USADA’s extreme methods. She mentioned providing her schedule to USADA so that they can track her if they wanted to. And Ledecky is happy to do so. She said, “To comply, I provide my daily schedule to USADA so I can be found at any time for spur-of-the-moment samplings of both blood and urine. If I’m going to get groceries or run errands, I go to the app and let them know. That’s something a lot of people don’t realize, but I’m happy to do it.” On the flip-side, she and many other athletes have taken digs at the off brand sister of USADA called WADA.

Katie Ledecky and other US stars take a jibe at WADA 

Continuing on the same lines of being in support with USADA, Katie Ledecky commented on the ongoing USADA v WADA controversy. She also had other athletes in support. As soon as the reports about the Chinese athletes were published, several US athletes spoke up. Chief among them was Katie Ledecky. The swimming icon took to her social media and uploaded a story that highlighted the dedication of the US athletes towards USADA’s procedures. She also had Michael Phelps supporting the cause when he shared a story from Allison Schmitt, who uploaded Travis Tygart’s statement. 

Tygart, the CEO of USADA, stated, “Our hearts ache for the athletes from the countries who were impacted by this potential cover-up and who may have lost podium moments, financial opportunities, and memories with family that can never be replaced.” However, Tygart’s comments were heavily criticized by the WADA. They accused the USADA CEO of trying to defame WADA with political motives. Thus, with the clouds becoming darker, one thing is for certain. The US athletes are in full support of USADA despite their increasingly hectic testing policies.