Anti-Doping Agency: Drugs Exposed In Hack Were Permitted

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) blames Russian hackers for leaking its confidential medical information about female American Olympians.

The hackers called "TSAR Team" - or "Fancy Bears" said they "stand for fair play and clean sport" and wanted to expose the "dirty methods" of the U.S. Olympics squad. They pointed the finger at "dozens of American athletes" who they say "regularly used illicit strong drugs" in order to win.

The drugs used were, in fact, used with permission.

Four-time Olympic gold medalist, Gymnast Simone Biles responded, "I believe in clean sport, have always followed the rules."

Venus Williams said the drugs revealed were "approved for legitimate medical reasons."

"They did everything they were asked to do," said Travis Tygart, the head of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

He says each of the athletes exposed got their medications cleared in advance.

"It's obviously indirectly, at a minimum, a result of WADA exposing the Russian sports system and government-run doping program," said Tygart.

In July, WADA discovered widespread evidence of Russian state-sponsored doping. About 67 members of the Russian track and field team were banned from competition in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

"Mr. Putin is either applauding this action or he was behind it," said Sports Historian and Doping Expert John Hoberman.

He says the hack could have devastating effects on the confidence that the world's athletes have in the confidentiality of their data.

"An already corrupt international sports world….is now in even deeper trouble," said Hoberman.

So the big question is was the Russian government involved? The Kremlin emphatically says no.  As for the "Fancy Bear" hackers, they promise to release more information in the coming days.

The International Olympic Committee condemned the hack and said the four U.S. athletes did not violate anti-doping rules.