Usain Bolt supports Jamaica’s new drug testing policy

Jamaica has announced plans to improve its drug testing procedures for professional athletes following a warning from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

This year five Jamaican athletes tested positive for banned substances. One of the athletes was Asafa Powell, the former 100m world record holder. Earlier in the year Renee Anne Shirley, a former official from the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission, told Sports Illustrated magazine that Jamaica was not doing enough drug testing. On-the-spot random drug testing had stopped due to a lack of resources.

WADA warned that if Jamaica does not improve its procedures there is a real risk that the country will be banned from major athletics competitions, including the Olympic Games.

Jamaica’s prime minister, Portia Simpson-Miller, took personal action and reassured WADA that Jamaica will make drug testing a priority.

Usain Bolt has spoken in support of Ms Simpson-Miller’s stance, saying: “Anything that helps Jamaica to prove to the world that we are clean and that we are the best, I welcome fully. She says she is going to implement these things to make the sport better so it’s a joy for me.”

Jamaica has developed some of the greatest sprinters of all time and its athletes continue to win at the highest level. The country does not wish to see its world famous athletes banned as a result of lax drug testing procedures.

WADA’s director-general, David Howman, confirms that while WADA has “no current issues” with Jamaica, it will be visiting the country to ensure that it is carrying out adequate drug testing.