Disturbing revelation from Quebec swimmer Mary-Sophie Harvey, Wednesday. She was allegedly drugged after the last day of competition at the FINA World Championships in Budapest on July 3.
Posted at 7:43 p.m.
She shared her story on Instagram, after “debating” with herself whether it was the right thing to do. But “these situations happen too often for me to remain silent,” she writes.
“The bruises that remain are the only memories I have left of the night you emptied me of my color”, illustrates Harvey in English on the first screen of his publication. And it’s signed: “Drugged”.
“At that time, I didn’t know what my body had ingested. I only remember that I woke up completely lost. With our team’s coach and doctor at my bedside. »
She remembers having “celebrated” her competition while being “reasonable”, because she had in mind her goal of competing in the Commonwealth Games, which begin at the end of the month.
“But then, I don’t remember anything,” admits Mary-Sophie Harvey. There is a four to six hour period that I have no recollection of. I heard snippets of stories from some people. And I was judged, too. »
She says she “never felt so ashamed”.
Returning home the next day, she discovered a dozen bruises on her body. “Friends told me they had to carry me while I was unconscious, which could probably explain them. »
In her post, she shares a few photos of her injuries, but says she “doesn’t feel comfortable” posting them all.
Doctors told her she was “lucky” to only survive with a sprained rib and a minor concussion. Because “it happens much more often than you think,” she says, referring to the words of doctors.
By sharing her story, she wants to bring the issue into the public sphere. “We don’t talk about it enough,” she said, noting that there has been a resurgence of such cases reported in recent years.
“I thought I was safe. That would never happen to me. Especially surrounded by friends. But it happened. I would have liked to be educated on the situation before this evening. »
She says she is “still looking for the ‘joyful Mary’ who found happiness before this event”, noting that she is “still afraid of strangers linked to this evening”.
But Mary-Sophie Harvey “does not want this event [la] define”.
“I’m learning to live with it all and eventually find myself. »