Sha’Carri Richardson Regrets “Today Show” Interview After Failing Drug Test Last Year

Sha’Carri Richardson is opening up about her now-famous “Today Show” interview shortly after she failed a drug test that disqualified her from the Olympics. 

On Tuesday, the 22-year-old retweeted a clip from that interview in July 2021 with NBC’s Savannah Guthrie. She quoted the tweet, “I wish I never did this. I wish I had the choice when it was time for me to tell my story.”

I wish I never did this . I wish I had the choice when it was time for me to tell my story. https://t.co/9mxl2KPRIy

— Sha’Carri Richardson (@itsshacarri) June 21, 2022

While she did not elaborate on which parts she was not fond of, Richardson appeared nervous and unclear in her explanations at times, likely a result of the media circus surrounding her at that time.

The track star tested positive for THC before the Olympic games in Oregon, where recreational cannabis use and possession are legal. However, marijuana is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency WADA and USA Track and Field. This resulted in her being suspended from Team USA, ultimately prohibiting her from competing at the Summer Games in Tokyo. The shocking turn of events arrived as Richardson was being praised for becoming the sixth fastest woman of all time in the 100m category.

Richardson said during her discussion that she smoked marijuana to cope with the news of her biological mother passing away. Sadly, track officials were unphased by her mental struggles and banned her anyway.

Recently, Sha’Carri Richardson has begun regaining her rightful place in the sport. Last week, she won the 200 meters in the NYC Grand Prix track meet. Earlier that day, she came in second in the 100 meters.