Sha’Carri Richardson Omitted from Olympic 100 After Positive Marijuana Test

The Olympic Games have rigorously upheld strict guidelines against doping and substance use to maintain the integrity of the competition. If athletes are found with any banned substances in their system, they face a substantial suspension, with no exceptions. Regrettably, this is the situation that has led to American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson’s exclusion from the Tokyo Olympics.

At the Olympic Trials a few weeks ago, Richardson achieved a remarkable time of 10.86 seconds in the 100-meter race. However, after the trials, all athletes were obligated to undergo a mandatory drug screening to ensure compliance with anti-doping regulations. Following Richardson’s test, the presence of a substance linked to marijuana use was detected, resulting in her immediate suspension from the event.

Richardson has been handed a 30-day suspension, ending on July 27, which unfortunately means she will miss the Olympic 100 race. The athlete who came in fourth place in the Trials, Jenna Prandini, is slated to take Richardson’s spot in the race, though Richardson may still participate in the women’s relay events, pending decisions from the USA Track and Field team.

In response to the news, Richardson shared a concise tweet on her personal Twitter account, stating simply, “I am human.”

Subsequently, during an interview on The Today Show, she elaborated further, revealing that she turned to recreational marijuana usage as a coping mechanism following the recent loss of her mother.

BREAKING: American champion Sha’Carri Richardson cannot run in the Olympic 100-meter race after testing positive for a chemical found in marijuana.  Richardson won the 100 at Olympic trials on June 19. https://t.co/ERUw1HA8ev

— The Associated Press (@AP) July 2, 2021

“I was definitely triggered and blinded by emotions, blinded by badness, and hurting, and hiding hurt,” she expressed. “I know I can’t conceal myself, so in some way, I was attempting to mask my pain.”

The USA Track and Field team remarked that Richardson’s circumstances are “extremely regrettable and heartbreaking for all parties involved.” The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee added that it is “collaborating with USATF to determine the appropriate course of action.”