USA Women’s Sprinting Prodigy Handed One Month Ban Ahead of Tokyo Olympics 2021

Controversy continues to grips the USA Track and Field authorities as ace sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson tested positive for one of the tests held after the Olympic Trials at Eugene Oregon last week. Richardson, who finished first in the women’s 100m sprint, qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics, failed her Marijuana test and is now in deep water. 

Fans have been waiting all day for a verdict on her participation in the Tokyo games and it seems the USA Track and Field authorities have finally taken a decision. In a recent announcement, it released an ambiguous statement on Richardson’s case. 

“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.”

While this statement did not give fans any closure on her fate at the Olympic Games, the US Anti Doping Agency reached a verdict and has decided to suspend Richardson for one month. Her qualification for the Tokyo games is however, still up to the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the Track and Field authorities.  

Sha’Carri Richardson may even miss out on the Tokyo Olympics

Chris Chavez of Sports Illustrated later reported the exact details behind the suspension. 

“USADA just announced Sha’Carri Richardson has accepted a one-month suspension that started on June 28, 2021. Her results from the Olympic Trials have been disqualified. Her eligibility for the Tokyo Olympics is determined by the USOPC and/or USATF,” he wrote. 

Now that her Track and Field achievements at the Olympic Trials have been discredited, Sha’Carri Richardson only has the Olympics to look forward to. She was earlier denied entry into the Diamond League in Stockholm, and release a cryptic tweet after. 

“I want to take responsibility for my actions,” Richardson told Savannah Guthrie on TODAY. “I know what I did, I know what I’m supposed to do … and I still made that decision.” 

Richardson is willing to bear the brunt of her actions

The athlete had lost her mother very recently and did. To reveal this information to the world until after the race was over. She said that this played a major factor in her actions. 

“Who am I to tell you how to cope when you’re dealing with the pain or you’re dealing with a struggle that you haven’t experienced before or that you thought you never would have to deal with?”

Fans await the decision on her as the Tokyo games approach. Until then and maybe even after, the issue will remain highly debated in many ways. 

Read more: What Are the Rules for Running Events to Be Held at Tokyo Olympics 2021?