Heather Hardy on her positive test for a banned substance: I found out yesterday that my VADA tests came back negative for PEDs but [positive for] a prescription medication— something I never heard of, so I was of course alarmed The med is diuretic “water pill” that can be used for heart and kidney conditions but for me it’s something I take in low-doses for PMS [pre-menstrual syndrome] bloating. Let’s be clear: I asked for the VADA testing. It’s something I’ve wanted for years; I’m on the record. I was thrilled that we had it for this fight.
When I was tested I told the screener that I had recently taken a prescription version of Midol (an over the counter PMS diuretic and pain med). I had NO idea that what I took was banned. It’s banned not because it improves performance, but because some people who take PEDs use them to try and hide their cheating. I am NOT one of those people. Instead I’m a woman who retains water during her period.
It was my first time being tested and was shocked when I found out a water pill was not permitted. Am I angry at how some have responded, you better believe it. Am I more mad at myself for this ridiculous oversight, absolutely — it’s inexcusable.
I have and will continue to advocate for drug testing in women’s boxing. It’s absolutely critical. The WBC did an awesome thing when they showed leadership by making it a reality, including paying for the tests. You know me. For better or worse I keep it real. I never pretend to be bigger or better than I am. I’m approaching this exactly the same way.
Some people will believe me, some won’t. All I can do is tell the truth: never in my life have I used performance enhancing drugs and I never will. I do not cheat. As disappointed as you are in me for this oversight, I’m a million times more mad. I worked my ass off for that fight. My followers saw that I was even abstaining from alcohol — something I was proud of. It’s one thing to lose my belt and a fight I so badly wanted to win but this is on a whole different level. As for what’s next, I’m working through that with my team but don’t expect to learn anything more interesting than Heather Hardy gets really bloated when she’s PMSing and take a pill to pee more.
