Sha’Carri Richardson Reacts to Russia Figure Skater Cleared to Compete in Olympics Despite Substance Abuse: “It’s All in the Skin”

American track and field sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson sees race as the only difference between her and a Russian figure skater who was recently cleared to compete in the Olympics despite failing a drug test.

Richardson’s Olympic journey fell short after she failed a drug test and admitted to smoking marijuana in the wake of her mother’s death. She was suspended for 30 days and could not compete in the 100-meter dash at Tokyo Olympics in July 2021.

Now, 15-year-old Kamila Valieva will be able to compete because she is a minor and “protected person.” However, the drug found in her system was a heart drug called trimetazidine. The current drug is banned in the US and treats angina and other heart conditions.

Valieva will be allowed to compete in the women’s single skating competition in which she is expected to take home a win. After learning of the news, Richardson turned to Twitter to imply it’s all about race.

She says, “The only difference I see is I’m a black young lady.”

https://twitter.com/itskerrii/status/1493209274457153536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

It’s all in the skin

— Sha’Carri Richardson (@itsshacarri) February 14, 2022

Failed in December and the world just now know however my resulted was posted within a week and my name & talent was slaughtered to the people.

— Sha’Carri Richardson (@itsshacarri) February 14, 2022

Not one BLACK athlete has been about to compete with a case going on, I don’t care what they say!!!

— Sha’Carri Richardson (@itsshacarri) February 14, 2022