In an effort to preserve the sanctity of the event, the Olympic Games have long maintained extremely strict policies regarding doping and drug use. Athletes face lengthy suspensions if banned substances are found in their bodies. This is why American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson won’t be competing in the Tokyo Olympics.
Richardson had qualified in the 100 at the Olympic Trials with a time of 10.86 seconds. However, after the trials, all athletes had to undergo a drug test. Traces of a substance linked to marijuana use were found in Richardson’s test results, leading to her suspension from the games.
She has received a 30-day suspension lasting until July 27, which means she will miss the Olympic 100. The fourth-place finisher in the Trials, Jenna Prandini, is expected to take Richardson’s place in the event, but Richardson may still be able to participate in the women’s relays, pending decisions by the USA Track and Field team.
Responding to the news, Richardson posted a concise tweet on her personal Twitter account, simply stating, “I am human.”
She later elaborated during an interview on The Today Show, revealing that she turned to using marijuana to cope with the recent loss of her mother.
BREAKING: American champion Sha’Carri Richardson cannot run in the Olympic 100-meter race after testing positive for a chemical found in marijuana. Richardson won the 100 at Olympic trials on June 19. Link to Tweet
— The Associated Press (@AP) July 2, 2021
“I was definitely triggered and blinded by emotions, blinded by badness, and hurting, and hiding hurt,” Richardson shared. “I know I can’t hide myself, so in some type of way, I was trying to hide my pain.”
The USA Track and Field team expressed that Richardson’s situation is “incredibly unfortunate and devastating for everyone involved.” The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee stated that they are collaborating with USATF to determine the appropriate next steps.
