Issam Assinga, a rising superstar in track & field who represents the country of Suriname, is being unfairly punished by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). Last year in 2023, he sent shockwaves through the sport after breaking the U20 100m world record clocking 9.89 seconds. However, he has since  been banned from the sport for four years due to a lab tested- tainted container of gummies that was provided to him by Gatorade (pepsiCo) that tested positive for a banned substance. Experts thoroughly examined every detail of this case and could not accuse Assinga with certainty after deliberation. Meaning, they discovered enough evidence to cast reasonable doubt on the accusations placed on Assinga. 

Issam's absence profoundly hurts both track and field as a whole and his nation of Suriname. At only 19 years old, this ban jeopardizes his promising career, making him ineligible to compete until 2027. Sadly, this also means that his hard earned scholarship at Texas A&M has also now been put into jeopardy, which would unfairly hurt his acedemic future. Based on past precedent in the sport, Issam should have received a warning or at most a probationary two-year ban instead of being handed this harsh punishment.

We believe Issam is 100% innocent and urge you to sign this petition to lift his unjust ban and allow him to continue both his athletic and academic journey. Thank you for your support! #FreeIssam !