Sha’Carri Richardson Fails Drug Test For Marijuana, Could Miss Olympics
The U.S. sprinter that’s caught everyone’s attention, Sha’Carri Richardson, has been suspended for one month after testing positive for marijuana, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency announced this morning (July 2).
U.S. Track & Field Athlete Sha’Carri Richardson Accepts Sanction for Anti-Doping Rule Violation https://t.co/ufvjYczqtm
— USADA (@usantidoping) July 2, 2021
The positive drug test result nullifies Richardson’s performance at the U.S. Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon, where she won the women’s 100-meter dash and will prevent the 21-year-old from competing in her signature event at the Tokyo Olympics later this month.
Richarson spoke about her failed drug test on NBC’s Today show earlier today. “I want to take responsibility for my actions,” Richardson said on NBC. “I know what I did. I know what I’m supposed to do. I know what I’m allowed not to do, and I still made that decision.”
“One of the biggest things that impacted me positively and negatively in my life when it comes to dealing with the relationship I had with my mother,” Richardson said of when she learned the news that her biological mother had died. She confirmed that she ingested marijuana after learning of the news. She said it was triggering to hear the news of her mother’s passing from a reporter — “a complete stranger” — and that sent Sha’Carri into a state of “emotional panic.” She clarified that “it’s never been a steroid. It will never be a steroid.”
You can watch the video below:
Jenna Prandini, who finished fourth in the 100 at trials on June 19, will replace Richardson in the 100 in Tokyo, USA Today reports. Javianne Oliver and Teahna Daniels, who were second and third respectively, are also on the team. Gabby Thomas is penciled in as the alternate in the event.
Richardson might still be selected as a member of the women’s 4×100 relay team since that event will take place after her suspension is over.
Richardson was among the favorites to win the 100 in Tokyo after running a 10.86 in the final at trials last month to qualify for her first Olympics. She was scheduled to run at Sunday’s Diamond League meeting in Stockholm before withdrawing from the event Wednesday. Richardson’s season-best of 10.72 is the second-fastest time in the world this year.
Sha’Carri wrote, “I am human” on her Twitter yesterday:
I am human
— Sha’Carri Richardson (@itsshacarri) July 1, 2021
