According to a BBC report, Shelly-Ann Frasier Pryce, Jamaica's double Olympic 100 metre champion, has declared that she could refuse to represent the country at major games if the Jamaican authorities do not defend the nation's athletes who are now under increased scrutiny on the international stage.
Fraser Pryce, who was speaking to a BBC's reporter in Monaco ahead of the IAAF Athletics Gala, said the recent comment from senior doping officer Dr Paul Wright that recent doping violations by Jamaican athletes "was the tip of the iceberg" was hurtful.
Fraser-Pryce added that it was important that the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) stands by it athletes in the face of such adversity.
“It is almost as if they (the JAAA) don't believe we are world class athletes. We are international athletes and we should be treated that way. We should be able to say that if things don't go our way we will not be running."
She added: "We need a voice to be able to stand up and say 'you can't say these things without having proof'. We have come so far in athletics in our country but we are still stagnant in other areas."
When asked specifically about the "tip of the iceberg" comment, Fraser-Pryce added: "That is exactly what I am saying. If you are Jamaican and make a statement like that then those things are hurtful."
She reportedly added “If it's down to making sure things are up to scratch, then I would [refuse to run]."
In 2010, Fraser-Pryce was banned for six months, following a positive test for oxycodone. Six Jamaican athletes, including her former club mates Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson, have tested positive this year, but Fraser Pryce claims the country does not have a doping problem.
"We don't have a doping issue - we are tested wherever we go. There is no one in Jamaica saying 'let's dope up to run fast'. That is just not true. Where we have issues is with our young athletes who are getting involved in doping issues because nobody is there to give guidance. We are doing very well for our country internationally but when we are in Jamaica our athletes are not being looked after. We are selling our country and marketing our country to the word and (are) not being paid for it.”
The highly decorated athlete asserted that many of Jamaica’s young athletes are struggling, financially and otherwise. "They are not able to get the medical attention they need, they are not able to eat properly.”
Fraser Pryce is a favourite on the IAAF shortlist for Athlete of the Year having won a record three gold medals at a single World Championship, in Moscow, Russia.