Sha’Carri Richardson, the American track sensation who earned her way to the Tokyo Olympics by winning the women’s 100-meter race last month, has been suspended from the team after testing positive for THC, a substance found in marijuana.
Richardson failed a drug test after winning the US Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon in June, according to a US Olympic source.
The United States Anti-Doping Agency announced that Richardson will receive a one-month suspension. The results of her Olympic Trials have been thrown out. The USOPC and/or USATF determine her eligibility for the Tokyo Olympics.
During an interview with a reporter a few days before the Trials, Richardson learned of her mother’s death. She later consumed marijuana while competing in the US Olympic Trials in Oregon. She described learning of the tragedy as “triggering” and “nerve-shocking,” and that it pushed her into an emotional panic.
“I want to take responsibility for my actions,” Richardson said. “I know what I did and what I’m not supposed to do. I know what I’m not allowed to do and I still made that decision. Not making an excuse or looking for any empathy in my case but being in that position of my life and finding out something like that—something that I would say has impacted my life positively and negatively in my life when it comes to dealing with the relationship with my mother—that definitely was a heavy topic on me.”
She added, “To have to go out into the world and put on a face—who am I to tell you how to cope?”
Richardson might still be nominated to the US 4×100-meter relay team if she receives the minimal one-month suspension, pending a decision by USA Track and Field.
Richardson explained, “Right now I’m just putting all of my time and energy into dealing with what I need to do to heal myself.”
Following Richardson’s appearance on the TODAY Show, USA Track and Field made the following statement: “Sha’Carri Richardson’s situation is incredibly unfortunate and devastating for everyone involved. Athlete health and well-being continue to be one of USATF’s most critical priorities and we will work with Sha’Carri to ensure she has ample resources to overcome any mental health challenges now and in the future.”
Sha’Carri Richardson (@itskerrii) joins us live for an exclusive interview to discuss the positive marijuana test that’s put her Olympic future in limbo. pic.twitter.com/iVBp3zhvja
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) July 2, 2021
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