You can find the first two parts of this statement here
“In saying this, I am glad the testing has worked. I am ok with them using Ricky as an example in attempt to further legitimise their sport. As long as The CrossFit Games continues to invest in this same level of strictness to every single athlete competing, especially at the The CrossFit Games, not just the podium finishers, but the entire field.
I encourage you not to be so naive & ignorant to think that this isn’t a major issue in every sport out there. I can only hope that other top CrossFit athletes (definitely not all) reflect on their justification to intentionally use PED’s, re-evaluate their decisions & understand that the integrity of the sport is being ruined every time you get away with it.
I believe the raw honest truth is what sets you free in this life. All the external measures of success are meaningless if you didn’t achieve it authentically.
Ricky has messed up, he has made a huge mistake, he has been publicly exposed to the world & he has owned it courageously like a man. He will learn a lot about himself through this adversity. But like they say what doesn’t kill you makes you strong as fuck.
This 23 year old warrior has a lot of years left in his life. Deep down I know he is a force for good, he will defy the odds, he will set a new standard for himself & he will step up to achieve greatness once again.
He will continue to express his greatest gifts, which is his physical body that he has earned through disciplined effort. No one can take away his talent, resilience & worth ethic that he has adopted. Personally I will make sure he competes fairly in whatever it is he pursues next.
Everything happens for a reason, what goes around comes around & if he takes the time to go inwards his intuition will guide him towards what’s next. I’ve had my fair share of obstacles, highs & lows in this sport over the last 6 years. I’ve learnt a lot of lessons along the way that have shaped my character, I am grateful for it & now it’s his turn.”
“Just a reminder to all of you that it’s only CrossFit-sanctioned events that he isn’t allowed to compete in until 2021 (Open, Regionals, Games, Team Series, Invitational). Every other functional fitness event outside of that he is good to go. He has been added to the registered athlete drug testing pool which is subject to unannounced testing at anytime during his 4 year suspension. Failure to cooperate will result in additional sanctions. Should he violate the CrossFit Games Drug Testing Policy during this time, the term of his suspension will be extended.
Maybe the universe has given him this test to see how bad he really wants it? I know this guy better than anyone. So don’t be surprised if he learns a big arse lesson from this, gets himself together, dusts himself off & uses this internal pain to become even better than he is now.
Thank you for your loyalty, your love & your support ❤️ The amount of respect that is shown in our circle of friends is a testament to the people we have in our lives.
Ultimately they are the ones that matter the most, times like this is a good reminder of that, so much love to you all.
Ricky’s heroes journey continues & I embrace the road ahead.
#rickywillrise ✊
”
More on the issue:
Ricky Garard Responds to His Drug Disqualification and 4 Year Ban from The CrossFit Games
The post *UPDATE* Ben Garard Talks about His Brother’s Drug Ban from The 2017 CrossFit Games appeared first on BOXROX.
