Women’s 100 Meters Champion Sha’Carri Richardson Suspended For Marijuana, May Still Compete At Olympics
by Derek Major

July 2, 2021

Women’s 100 Meters Champion Sha’Carri Richardson Suspended For Marijuana, May Still Compete At Olympics

Sha’Carri Richardson, who gained national attention by winning the 100 meters at the U.S. Track and Field Olympic trials, has been suspended for thirty days after she tested positive for marijuana.

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) made the announcement early Friday morning putting the Tokyo Olympics later this month in doubt for the LSU Tiger. Richardson did not shy away from the positive test and is taking responsibility for it.

“I know what I did. I know what I’m supposed to do … and I still made that decision,” Richardson said on NBC Today Friday.

During the interview Richardson explained that she used marijuana after she learned her biological mother passed away from a reporter at the Olympic trials which were being held in Eugene, Oregon.

“That sent me in a state of emotional panic, if anything…even though, I’m here, I still have to go out to put a performance for my dream,”

Recreational marijuana use is legal in Oregon, 18 other states and Washington D.C., however it is banned from track and field. Richardson will be unable to compete in her signature race the hundred meter dash which she won last week in a stunning 10.87 seconds.

However, all is not lost for the track star as she still has a shot to compete in the 4×100 relay because that event will take place after her 30 days suspension has concluded.

During the interview with today, Richardson added she would be grateful for the opportunity to run in the 4×100 relay, but for now she’s focusing on herself and healing. She also apologized to her fans and thanked them and her girlfriend, who helped her during the Olympic trials for their support.

“Don’t judge me, because I am human, I’m you, I just happen to run a little faster,” Richardson said.

The Summer Olympics will be held in Tokyo, Japan later this month. Opening ceremonies are set to take place on July 23 and closing ceremonies will be conducted Sunday August 8.


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