Does Greatness Equate to Cheating?

Have we reached a time period where it is assumed that a person who is dominating within their respective sport is using some sort of extra means to achieve this success. One tennis star might say so. Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players and female athletes that we have ever seen has recently made claims of discrimination. Serena has made claims that out of all of the tennis players, she has been randomly drug tested the most. Can this claim be attributed to her dominance over the sport, I would say so.

“And it’s that time of the day to get ‘randomly’ drug tested and only test Serena. Out of all the players it’s been proven I’m the one getting tested the most. Discrimination? I think so. At least I’ll be keeping the sport clean,” Williams tweeted. “But I’m ready to do whatever it takes to have a clean sport so bring it on. I’m excited,” she added. As she stated on her twitter, she really questioned the amount of test she is being given, but in efforts to stay positive hopes to see a clean sport.

Williams, 36, also complained about drug testing before Wimbledon, imploring tennis officials to test everyone equally. The comments come just weeks after Deadspin reported that Williams was the most-tested tennis player. According to the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s public athlete testing history database (last updated on July 20th), Williams has been tested five times in 2018. She was tested three times in 2017 and six times in 2016. Williams has also gone on record saying that she does not mind being tested, only wishes that everyone be tested equally.

Williams began her professional career between the age of 15-17. Through the years, she has won multiple major titles both with her sister Venus, and on her own. Now at age 36, Williams has won 23 Grand Slam single titles and 14 Grand Slam doubles titles. In addition, Williams has won 4 Olympic gold medals in both singles and doubles.

Ryan Upshaw

https://www.si.com/tennis/2018/07/25/serena-williams-drug-testing-discrimination