Simone Arianne Biles Owens, an American artistic gymnast, is widely recognized as one of the greatest gymnasts and Olympians of all time, with 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals to her name. In 2016, Biles faced public scrutiny regarding her use of medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) after Russian hackers breached the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) database and released her confidential medical records. These records revealed that Biles had been granted a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) to use methylphenidate, commonly known as Ritalin, for her ADHD—a condition she was diagnosed with as a child. The TUE allowed her to use the medication despite its inclusion on WADA’s list of prohibited substances.
In response to the unauthorized release of her medical information, Biles addressed the situation publicly, stating, “I have ADHD and I have taken medicine for it since I was a kid. Please know, I believe in clean sport, have always followed the rules, and will continue to do so as fair play is critical to sport and is very important to me.”
Medical experts have supported Biles’ position, emphasizing that ADHD medications like Ritalin serve to level the playing field for individuals with the condition rather than providing an unfair advantage. Dr. Ronald Kamm, a past president of the International Society for Sport Psychiatry, compared prescribing ADHD medication to prescribing insulin for diabetes, highlighting its role in managing a legitimate medical condition.
USA Gymnastics also defended Biles, confirming that she had followed all necessary protocols and had not violated any regulations. Steve Penny, the organization’s president at the time, stated, “Simone has filed the proper paperwork per USADA and WADA requirements, and there is no violation.”
Biles’ openness about her ADHD and adherence to anti-doping regulations underscore her commitment to transparency and fair competition. Her actions have also contributed to reducing the stigma associated with ADHD, encouraging others to seek necessary treatment without fear of judgment.
