A Canadian swimmer has said she was drugged at a recent World Championship event in Budapest, which left her with a concussion and a rib sprain.
Mary-Sophie Harvey said on her Instagram account that she was drugged last night while celebrating in the Hungarian capital and that there was “a four- to six-hour window where I don’t remember a single thing.”
International sports governing body Fina said it would initiate an investigation into the incident, calling the allegations “distressing” and said it was “deeply concerned” about Harvey’s well-being.
Harvey, 22, swam at last year’s Tokyo Olympics and won a bronze medal in the world championship relay.
But in an Instagram post, the swimmer made public a personal account of the incident that has left her looking for answers.
“On the last night of the World Championship, I took drugs,” he wrote, posting pictures of several bruises on his body.
“At that moment I was not aware of what was inside me, I just remember waking up the next morning completely lost; with our team manager and doctor in my bed … The only thing I can say is this: I’ve never felt more embarrassed, ”he wrote, adding that in addition to the support of friends and family , also experienced feelings of judgment.
After traveling back to Canada, her mother commented that she looked different.
“I felt as if the body I was in was not mine [it still feels this way]. I got home and found a dozen bruises on my body, “he wrote.” Some of my friends told me afterwards that they had to take me while I was unconscious and probably explained why. “
Harvey was treated at the hospital by doctors and psychologists and said he felt “lucky” to come out of the incident with a rib sprain and a concussion.
“Unfortunately, these events happen more than we think. Over the years there has been a growing number of dangerous cases, but not enough is being talked about yet. Resources for victims are still hard to find and the trial from the outside it’s still very present. To anyone reading this, please be careful. I thought I was sure, that it would never happen to me, especially surrounded by friends. But he did. “
Swimming Canada said in a statement that it was aware of “an incident” during the competition.
“As soon as the team staff found out, Mary received excellent medical treatment from our team doctor on the spot and was allowed to travel home.”
Harvey wrote that he was doing his best to focus on the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, this summer, where he is scheduled to compete.
“I’m still scared to think about the unknowns that night,” he wrote. “I’m still somehow, ashamed of what happened, and I think I’ll always be … But I won’t let this event define me.”