The middle-distance standout runner is back. You heard it right! Shelby Houlihan is getting back on track once more after a long gap of three consecutive years. In 2019, she created history by setting an American record in the 1500m, and with that, she was set for future successes on the world stage. But after some time, her promising career was interrupted due to her suspected indulgence in drugs. In 2020, she received a four-year ban. Wondering why?  A contaminated pork burrito could be the answer, as Houlihan explained.

Now, since her suspension is nearing its end, Houlihan is facing the daunting task of making a comeback. With the sports world, especially track and field, eyeing her closely, she’s got to give her all. As she works toward her return to athletics, the challenges on her plate grow even more. Yet, her unwavering determination to prove herself highlights her belief that she still has much to offer the sport. 

Houlihan downfall after “the doping test”

Shelby Houlihan’s ban stemmed from a failed doping test in 2020, in which nandrolone, a steroid promoting muscle growth, was found in her system. Nandrolone gives athletes an unfair advantage by enhancing endurance and recovery and is hence banned in athletics. However, Houlihan in her defense consistently claimed that the positive result was due to a pork burrito she ate, which was contaminated with trace amounts of the substance. Houlihan’s defense led to a debate about the authenticity of her truth. She was deeply impacted by the incident and pledged innocence.

Houlihan proclaimed to be free of substance and innocent. Her suspension was ordered by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and it was final. She said, “I feel like I have more to give to this sport, and I’m ready to show that.” She also failed to compete in major competitions like the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. This had a heavy impact on her career, causing her to miss upper-level opportunities. “This does not reflect who I am in any capacity,” Houlihan said, expressing herself after feeling misunderstood. The case raised major concerns about the reliability of testing and the hardcore consequences for athletes, even when they maintain their innocence.

Not only did Shelby Houlihan lose the chance to compete at the Olympics, but she also faced a damaged reputation and a loss of sponsorship. “My character has to count for something, yet it doesn’t feel like it does,” Houlihan said, over how the public perceived her. She has remained strong till now and will continue to be, refusing to let the allegations define her. She is coming back stronger than she has before.

Shelby Houlihan’s way to redemption as she prepares to set her foot back in the field  

On January 13, 2025,  Houlihan’s ban is set to end. Meanwhile, she is focused on reviving her dusty career. One of the biggest hurdles she faces is rebuilding her financial and professional support system. The suspension caused Houlihan to lose sponsorships. Houlihan is now working with her agent, Paul Doyle, to find new partners. As she prepares to return, she knows that regaining the trust of her sponsors and supporters won’t be easy, but she is undeterred. “It’s not going to be easy, but I’m going to put in the work,” she said.

Shelby Houlihan hasn’t competed during the gap years, but she is determined to explore new races and challenge herself in areas beyond 1500m. “I want to go after as many records as I can,” she said, expressing her desire to test herself in everything from marathons to indoor races. This drive to push her limits reflects her enduring passion for the sport deeply. 

After three years of long inactivity, Houlihan finds herself struggling with the challenges of coming back. From building her physical form to overcoming mental barriers of being suspended. The psychological and physical aspects of her comeback are equally important. Jerry Schumacher, Houlihan’s coach, said, “She just might be the best 1500m runner in the world, but we’ll never know. That’s a tragedy.” Schumacher believes she could still be one of the best.

Shelby Houlihan’s story is a very powerful tale of strength, resilience and revival. It’s a story of change, and it  resonates with a wider audience, not just with athletes but everywhere. People are learning from it, and it can be applied to diverse fields of life—showing that even after facing significant setbacks, there is always room for redemption.