Shayna Jack reveals emotional toll of doping scandal ahead of court date
Queensland swimmer Shayna Jack is fighting to clear her name after she was embroiled in a doping scandal last year. The athlete has opened up on the emotional and physical toll it’s taken on her as she prepares for her upcoming court date.
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Within a matter of hours, her career came crashing down and now she’s fighting to clear her name.
Queensland swimming champion Shayna Jack is set to face the Court of Arbitration for Sport “soon” to appeal a four-year ban after she was embroiled in a doping scandal last year.
The 21-year-old swimmer tested positive to banned substance, Ligandrol, just weeks before competing in the world championships in Gawngju, South Korea.
The Brisbane athlete has opened up in an emotional interview sharing the huge physical and mental toll of it all.
What has been the physical and mental impact of having your swimming future under a
cloud?
This whole experience has been a roller coaster of a ride. I have struggled a lot mentally as I am being accused of doing something I didn't nor would I ever do intentionally. Having the one thing I felt was my purpose in life stripped away from me and completely barricade me out was harder than anyone could ever imagine. Not being able to do what is natural to me and what drove me every day really affected my day to day living, I didn’t like leaving the house, my emotions were never in my control, I often felt isolated even when around people I know and the toughest thing was, that no one truly understood what I was facing and how I felt.
How do you feel the allegations made against you have impacted your reputation?
I do not believe my reputation has been impacted in a bad way as I always valued my reputation as being someone who was a role model and inspiration to the youth. In this situation I am still those things as I will stand up for what is right and I will fight to be back in the pool doing what I love.
Who do you turn to for advice when things go wrong?
My partner, whom I live with, is the person I rely on the most as he has been there for all the ups and downs and held me when no one could take away my pain. I am so grateful for him as well as my family members who would drop anything and everything to ensure I was okay.
Your case is currently pending and you are awaiting potential sanctions, what do you believe the outcome could be?
I honestly don’t know. Anyone who has studied anti-doping tribunal decisions understands that sanctions can vary significantly from case to case. All I can do is trust in the process and the impartiality of the Court of Arbitration for Sport and present my defence. It has been a difficult and long process but one thing has never changed for me from day one. I have never bought, possessed, been supplied with or used prohibited substances in any way. Despite this, I am provisionally suspended and have been for approximately 15 months. It has been a draining and horrible process - I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Despite that, I look forward to the hearing as the decision will bring a sense of finality to the whole ordeal.
What techniques do you use to keep your mind and body healthy?
This was a tough one because in the past swimming was my way of keeping my mind clear and positive. It still was my way of keeping my mind and body healthy but it would also be a reminder of what I have lost. As well as swimming, I have tried to keep myself busy and distract my mind with work, study and of course my dogs who mean the world to me.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the last 12 months?
There isn’t one specific lesson that I have learnt during this process that would stand out as the biggest because I am grateful for all the lessons I have learnt over this period. I believe I am now a voice for people and someone who can educate others on the process and what needs to change for the future as I wouldn’t wish this process on anyone.
What does it feel like to be an athlete under public scrutiny?
Being 21 years old I have never faced such a thing and to face the scrutiny that I was given was gut wrenching and made me feel really vulnerable. Being an athlete that represents Australia is such an honour, however, the public do not see how much we sacrifice to do what we do. They do not see the pain we put ourselves through to achieve what we achieve. And mostly the public did not know me when they started making assumptions about who I was and the kind of person I am. I know who I am, and I know I would never do this to myself, my family, or my country.
Are you currently training to be competition ready in the hope you will compete in the
Tokyo Olympics next year?
At the moment I am preparing myself to be in the best possible state for the trial, mentality and physically. After the CAS decision has been made I will then reassess what my future goals and aspirations look like.
What are your other hopes for the future?
During the time I have had away from the elite world of sport, I have completed my vet nursing certificate and am now studying criminology at Griffith University. My hope is that I can continue to help others and educate others on what I have been through, whether that be mental health, law systems, ASADA education or just how to have a positive mind-set.
It’s been a challenging 18 months for you. Was SAS: Who Dares Wins an escape of sorts?
The past 16 months have been extremely tough but this show wasn’t an escape, it was a way to show myself that I can face fears and challenge myself further than I ever could have imagined. I have spent my whole life swimming and never doing anything else in case of risking injury.