What I find most interesting (even from the comments here) is the double standard that many are applying to her vs others that failed drug tests. People here are proclaiming her innocence without any information one way or the other for heaven's sake! If she were almost any other nationality, or maybe even looked different as an American (e.g. not white and good looking), the comments would have a lot less denial (even compare to when Froome's positive came out, and that was one of the more mixed ones). I also have an issue with her teammates posting messages of support- I know you may like her personally but it's not a good look to throw your hat into the ring behind someone who tested positive. Better to just stay out and not bring more scrutiny on the team and themselves as athletes.
Fact of the matter is that she had double the limit of a banned substance, and it's her responsibility to show definitive proof of how that happened or she should rightly be banned and labeled a doper. Now that said, there is a serious issues with inconsistent penalties from anti-doping agencies for violations (4 years here seems crazy, as did the original multi-year ban for Starky). I also think that a philosophical discussion is needed about what substances SHOULD be banned vs permitted- but right now the rules are written and it's athletes and coaches' responsibility to know and abide. Intentionally or not, Shelby and team failed and should face repercussions. I highly doubt she's the only one in her distances or even on Bowerman playing in the gray area, but that's just my opinion.
Fact of the matter is that she had double the limit of a banned substance, and it's her responsibility to show definitive proof of how that happened or she should rightly be banned and labeled a doper. Now that said, there is a serious issues with inconsistent penalties from anti-doping agencies for violations (4 years here seems crazy, as did the original multi-year ban for Starky). I also think that a philosophical discussion is needed about what substances SHOULD be banned vs permitted- but right now the rules are written and it's athletes and coaches' responsibility to know and abide. Intentionally or not, Shelby and team failed and should face repercussions. I highly doubt she's the only one in her distances or even on Bowerman playing in the gray area, but that's just my opinion.