“Let her run,” Sha’Carri Richardson’s Cannabis Suspension Causes Shockwaves
The Olympic trials are concluded, and fan favorite Sha’Carri Richardson is slated to compete for the United States in the 100 meter sprint and relay competition at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
The trials took place a week after Richardson learned her mother had died.
“This year has been insane for me. Richardson remarked in an ESPN interview after completing the 100 meters and qualifying for the Olympics, “I’m still here, despite losing my biological mother just last week.”
Richardson is a queer Black lady with a successful running career. She rose to prominence during trials as she had her hair, cosmetics, and nails done. Her large fanbase includes other well-known athletes, politicians, and even former First Lady Michelle Obama.
In a tweet, Obama wrote, “If you haven’t seen it yet, @itskerrii’s race at the Olympic Trials is something to behold—but her elegance and fortitude in this interview may be even more special. We’re all very proud of you, Sha’Carri! I can’t wait to watch what you do in Tokyo!”
Shocking Suspension
Shortly after the Olympic trials completed on June 28th, Richardson tested positive for cannabis. Richardson was suspended from competing in the 100-meter dash by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) due to a positive drug test.
Consequently, Richardson will face a one-month ban. The USADA also requires her to finish a substance addiction treatment program.
Even if her chance to run a solo race in the Tokyo Olympics has passed, some believed she’d still compete in the relay race. However, U.S. Track and Field authorities did not choose her for the relay. This dashed her dreams of attending the 2021 Olympics.
“All these perfect people that know how to live life, I’m glad I’m not one of them!” Richardson stated in a viral statement posted on Twitter. However, she acknowledged that she had broken the rules and declared, “I am human.”
Richardson admitting to consuming an edible to deal with the death of her biological mother. Recreational cannabis is allowed in Oregon, where she lives.
“It sent me into a state of emotional panic,” she told me. “I didn’t know how to control or deal with my emotions during that time,” according to The New York Times.
This was not the only suspension the USADA issued this year due to excessive levels of THC in athletes.
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