American sprint sensation, Sha’Carri Richardson has on Friday confirmed she tested positive for marijuana after US Olympic athletics trials.
The test came out positive at U.S. Olympic trials last month where Richardson showcased herself as a gold medal contender by winning the 100m in 10.86 seconds.
On Thursday, as reports swirled about her possible marijuana use, Richardson put out a tweet that said, simply: “I am human.”
Read Also: US Sprinter, Sha’Carri Richardson Tests Positive For Cannabis, Could Miss Tokyo Olympics – Report
Speaking to US Olympic telecaster NBC’s “Today” show about the reports, the 21-year-old confirmed that she took marijuana but to cope with “a state of emotional pain” after learning of the death of her biological mother from a reporter at US Olympic trials last month in Eugene, Oregon.
She expressed;
I was definitely triggered and blinded by emotions, blinded by badness, and hurting, and hiding hurt. I know I can’t hide myself, so in some type of way, I was trying to hide my pain.
To put on a face and go out in front of the world and hide my pain, who am I to tell you how to cope when you’re dealing with pain and struggles you’ve never had to experience before?
Richardson had what could have been a three-month sanction reduced to one month because she participated in a counseling program.
The athlete was aiming to become the first American woman to win the Olympic 100m title since Gail Devers in 1996 after posting 10.72 seconds in April – one of her five runs under 11 seconds this season.
The 21-year-old sprinter was expected to face Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in one of the most highly anticipated races of the Olympic track meet.
Fourth-place finisher, Jenna Prandini is expected to get Richardson’s spot in the 100 metres race.
Though there have been wide-ranging debates about whether marijuana should be considered a performance-enhancing drug, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency makes clear on its website that “all synthetic and naturally occurring cannabinoids are prohibited in-competition, except for cannabidiol (CBD),” a byproduct that is being explored for possible medical benefits.
While not weighing in on her prospects for the relays, USATF put out a statement that said her “situation is incredibly unfortunate and devastating for everyone involved.”
The statement reads;
Sha’Carri Richardson’s situation is incredibly unfortunate and devastating for everyone involved. Athlete health and well-being continue to be one of USATF’s most critical priorities and we will work with Sha’Carri to ensure she has ample resources to overcome any mental health challenges now and in the future.
The a 30-day suspension ends July 27, which would be in time to run in the women’s relays. USA Track and Field has not disclosed plans for the relay.
Watch some videos of her speaking below;
“Don’t judge me, because I am human… I just happen to run a little faster.”
Sha’Carri Richardson (@itskerrii) speaks with @SavannahGuthrie about her failed drug test. pic.twitter.com/aZKTDhYn6Z
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) July 2, 2021
Sha’Carri Richardson apologizes to her “fans, family and the haters” over her failed drug test pic.twitter.com/s4c8nHekMv
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) July 2, 2021
