Dope

Last week local pro racer, Kenny Williams, confessed and apologized for taking a banned substance during his preparation for the masters track national championship. Often we think of doping as a problem for the international pro ranks, something far removed from our local race seen. But it isn’t. In fact it’s probably more common than we would like to know.

To my friends, clients, competitors and USA Cycling officials,

My name is Kenny Williams and I’ve been racing my bike for 20 years.  In June 2009 I broke and had surgery on my left collarbone.  In my haste to return to the top of my game I purchased DHEA at the local Drug Store, without consulting anyone.  6 weeks later at Masters Track Nationals in Colorado Springs I was tested positive for this illegal drug.  I do not deny the results of the test.

I am ashamed that I’ve done something that hurts the sport of cycling and the community of people who have become the most important part of my life.  I’m facing the very real possibility that I can try for the rest of my life to regain the confidence of the cycling community and my friends, but this cloud will be with me for the rest of my life.  I am not asking for forgiveness, because I am admitting to my mistake and own all the horrible feelings that come with my bad decision.  I am hoping for compassion and understanding.  Compassion that I never intended to hurt anyone and understanding that if I could have one re-do in my life that this would be it.  As I have done throughout my whole athletic life I will fight to re-gain my reputation as a fair man, tough competitor and drug-free cyclist.  You can trust me when I say that I will never take a short-cut like this ever again.

Bike racing is one of the most important things in my life, second to my wife, whom I owe the biggest apology to for being so irresponsible.  I am sorry Annette.  I also feel horrible about the results I took away from the other athletes that I raced against.  I am very sorry to have disappointed all of them.  To my sponsors and my clients, I am sorry.  To all in the cycling community and my friends, I am sorry. 

Sincerely, Kenny