Hey everybody, this is Dr. Boyce Watkins, and welcome to another episode of our daily podcast. Today, I want to share with you a story that has shaken the sports world.

Issam Asinga, the fastest high school sprinter in history, is suing Gatorade. He claims the company gave him a product that led to his four-year ban from track and field, costing him a chance to compete in the Paris Olympics.

Asinga, a 19-year-old track star from Suriname, set the under-20 world record in the 100 meters. Gatorade honored him as its high school track and field athlete of the year in July 2023, providing a gift basket that included Gatorade Recovery Gummies. According to a lawsuit filed this week, these gummies are the reason he tested positive for the banned substance GW1516. This positive test led to his ban in May, stripping him of his record.

In his lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, Asinga is seeking to recover millions of dollars in lost opportunities and compensation for emotional harm. Gatorade and Pepsi Co., its parent company, are the defendants. A Gatorade spokesperson has denied the claims, stating that their products are FDA compliant and safe for athletes.

This ban has serious implications for Asinga. He could have competed for Suriname at the Paris Olympics, potentially earning millions from sponsorships. Instead, he’s banned from the Games, lost his endorsement opportunities, and can’t train with his Texas A&M teammates. There’s even a risk he might lose his scholarship.

Asinga grew up in Atlanta, went to school in St. Louis, lived in Zambia for a few years, and attended high school in Florida. Now, he’s at Texas A&M. Both his parents are track and field Olympians; his mother competed for Zambia, and his father was the flag bearer for Suriname.

By summer 2023, Asinga was one of the world’s most promising track athletes. He shocked everyone by beating world champion Noah Lyles in a 100-meter race in Florida with a time of 9.83 seconds. Despite the setback, Asinga remains determined to chase his dream, saying, “I’ve got to chase my dream. I’ve got two Olympian parents; I was born to run. Am I going to destroy my dream because of something I didn’t do, or am I going to keep fighting until the end?”

This situation highlights the intense scrutiny and challenges athletes face, especially when their careers are derailed by controversies beyond their control.

Thank you for listening. For more updates, visit BoyceWatkins.com and text 'money' to 87948 to get my free training, "How to Make Money Without Working." Until next time, keep striving and stay informed.