A swimmer competing at the World Championships in Budapest claimed she was drugged after waking up feeling 'completely lost'. Mary-Sophie Harvey, 22, says she has no recollection of a four-to-six-hour window on the final night of the two-week event as the athlete’s team manager and doctor attended to her.
The following day, the Canadian discovered 'dozens of bruises' on her body after travelling home the next day. She also woke up with a rib sprain and concussion and took to social media to share her experiences as 'these situations sadly happen too many times.'
On Wednesday evening Harvey penned: “I've debated for a while if I should or if I shouldn't post anything. But I've always been transparent with ya'll and these situations sadly happen too many times for me to stay silent.
“On the last night of the Worlds Championship, I got drugged. At the time I wasn't aware of what got inside of me, I just remember waking up the next morning completely lost; with our team manager and doctor at my bedside. There's this four-to-six-hour window where I can't recall a single thing. I've heard bits and pieces by people and I've experienced judgement too. The only thing I can say is this: I've never felt more ashamed .
“The next day, I travelled back home and had dinner with my family. I remember my mum saying 'you seem different'. Little did she know, I felt that way too. It felt like the body I was in, wasn't mine (it still feels this way). I got home and found a dozen bruises on my body. Some of my friends told me afterwards that they had to carry me while I was unconscious and it probably explained why.
“Sadly, these events happen more than we think it does. There's been a dangerous increasing number of cases reported throughout the years but it is still not being talked about enough. I'm still scared to think about the unknowns of that night. I'm still trying to find the 'happy Mary' that found happiness prior to this event. I'm still in a way, ashamed of what happened, and I think I always will be... but I won't let this event define me."
In a statement, FINA said it would investigate the claims from the Canadian. “FINA is aware of the distressing media reports regarding Mary-Sophie Harvey and FINA is deeply concerned about her well-being," a spokesperson said.
“We are in contact with Swimming Canada and the Local Organising Committee. In 2021, FINA adopted widespread measures aimed at safeguarding athletes and an Independent Investigation Officer will be assigned to investigate the matter further.” Harvey was part of the Canada team that won bronze in Budapest in the 4x200metres relay team.
