In a shocking turn of events, US sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson has been suspended from participating in the 100-meter sprint at the Tokyo Olympics. The young sprinter tested positive for marijuana this week and accepted a 30-day suspension. She may still be able to run relays after the suspension is lifted.
Richardson was in Oregon when she used marijuana, where recreational cannabis was legalized since 2015. The nation continues to legalize marijuana, with Connecticut being the last state to join the “Green Rush”. The talented athlete said Today host Savannah Guthrie whom she had used cannabis after a reporter confronted her with the death of her birth mother. She says she was shocked to learn of the death of a complete stranger. “It was definitely triggering and blinding,” said Richardson. “I know I can’t hide, so in a way I was trying to hide my pain.”
However, Richardson took full responsibility for his actions. “I know what I’ve done, I know what I’m supposed to do, what I have the right not to do. And I made that decision anyway, ”she said. “The rules are clear, but it’s heartbreaking on many levels; Hopefully her acceptance of responsibility and apology will be an important example for all of us that we can successfully overcome our regrettable decisions, despite the costly consequences of them for her, ”said Travis Tygart, CEO of the US Agency. anti-doping. declaration.
Richardson turned heads at the Olympic trials when she won the 100-meter sprint in 10.86 seconds. It was there that she tested positive. The Americans were in awe of the 21-year-old sprinter, who aimed to be the first American to win the Olympic 100-meter title since Gail Devers in 1996.
Richardson could participate in the relay race
There is a chance that Richardson could compete in the 4 × 100 relay races, if the positive drug test is backdated to the day it was taken and not the date it was found to be positive. “If I am authorized to receive this blessing [compete in Tokyo] so I’m grateful for that, ”she said. “But if not, for now, I’m just going to focus on myself.” But even though Richardson is not cleared for the Olympics this year, his journey is far from over.
“These are just games. I am 21 years old, I am very young. … I have a lot of Games left in me to participate and I have a lot of talent that supports me, because everything I do comes from me naturally, ”she said. “No steroids, nothing. This incident was about marijuana, so once my sanction is lifted, I’ll be back and able to compete, and anytime I get on the track I’ll be ready for any agency. anti-doping come and get what it is that they need. “
It is unfortunate that a drug that athletes have used as a pain reliever and stress reliever instead of harmful opioids can be detrimental to their careers. His suspension has led many fans to bring up the Michael Phelps situation.
Although Phelps never tested positive for marijuana, he was suspended for three months and lost numerous sponsorship deals after being photographed smoking in a weed pipe. But his suspension came in February 2009, six months after the 2008 Olympics and six months before the 2009 World Championships.