USADA Offer Assistance to Jamaica to Combat Doping

USADA chief executive Travis Tygart has offered his support to Jamaica in the wake of the scrutiny they have suffered for their anti-doping efforts, by saying his organisation is “ready and willing” to help.

JADCO were visited at the end of October by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) after reports emerged that Jamaica was not testing athletes for performance enhancing drugs sufficiently.

Talks have continued between JADCO, USADA and WADA at the World Conference on Doping in Sport in South Africa to see if a partnership with USADA and JADCO can be formed.

Speaking to The Associated Press, Tygart said: “They need to get help. We want to see the WADA code implemented and their athletes deserve better.

“Right now they’re being let down by their national doping (commission).”

In total, eight Jamaican athletes have failed drug tests in 2013, including Asafa Powell, the former world 100 meter record holder.