The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) stated on Friday that US track and field athlete Sha’Carri Richardson had been barred from the Olympic team for one month after testing positive for THC, a substance present in marijuana.
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Shacarri Richardson and Her now Uncertain Path to the Olympics
U.S. Anti-Doping Agency CEO Travis T. Tygart said in a statement, “The rules are clear, yet this is tragic on many levels; hopefully, her acceptance of responsibility and apologies will be an important example to us all that we can effectively overcome our bad actions.”
On Friday morning, Richardson remarked on NBC’s TODAY show, “I just want to accept responsibility for my actions, I know what I did, I know what I’m meant to do, I’m allowed not to do, and I still made that decision.” I’m not trying to justify myself or garner sympathy.
Richardson secured her trip to Tokyo by dominating the women’s 100 metres at the US Olympic track and field trials in Eugene, Oregon last month. Her 100-meter dash at the Tokyo Olympics, in which she would have placed first had she not tested positive, was automatically disqualified.
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It’s not Clear if Richardson will Actually Skip the Olympics.
She might still be able to participate in the 4x100m relay, for example. In an effort to get more information, CNN has contacted Team USA.
The United States Anti-Doping Agency released a statement on Friday that said, in part: “Richardson’s competitive results acquired on June 19, 2021 have been nullified, and she forfeits all medals, points, and rewards.” Athletes’ eligibility for the Tokyo Games, after the one-month suspension, is established by the eligibility criteria of the USOPC and/or USA Track & Field.
Richardson explained her marijuana use by saying, “I was just expecting it would be a typical interview and then on the interview to hear that knowledge coming from a complete stranger, it was definitely triggering, it was really startling because it’s like who are you to tell me that?”
“From that point on, I was basically blinded by emotions, bad news, and hiding hurt, which is ironic given that I can’t hide myself, but it’s true that I was attempting to cover my sorrow in some fashion.”
According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), cannabis is a prohibited substance because it “poses a health risk to athletes, has the potential to boost performance, and breaches the spirit of sport.”
Everything I do just flows out of who I am. Without the use of any steroids (s). There is zero. Marijuana played a role in this incident. Richardson said, “When my sanctions are up, I’ll be back and able to compete, and every time I step on the track, I’ll be ready to compete for whatever anti-doping agency comes to obtain whatever it is that they need.”
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Conclusion
USA Track and Field said in a statement, “Sha’Carri Richardson’s situation is terribly terrible and devastating for everyone involved.”
“Athlete health and well-being continue to be one of USATF’s most vital objectives, and we will work with Sha’Carri to ensure she has adequate resources to overcome any mental health difficulties now or in the future,” the organisation said.