Sha’Carri Richardson, A Girl With A Dream
Professional track and field sprinter, Sha’Carri Richardson has been put on trial after testing positive for THC, a chemical found in Marijuana. The 21- year old record breaker was expected to maintain a gold medal. However, she was tested to ensure that she could perform in the 100m Toyko Olympics. Because she was positive, she has been suspended for a month, being restrained from the opportunity.
Why Did She?
On July 2, 2021, Richardson told NBC that she used marijuana in Oregon. Oregon is one of the 19 states where recreational weed is legal. Richardson even said that she had partaken in the act to cope with the loss of her biological mother, who died just hours before the Olympic Trials took place.
Richardson admits that she was in emotional distress, while still following her dreams. “That sent me in a state of mind, in a state of emotional panic, if anything,” she said. “During all that, I still, even though I’m here, I still have to go out and put on a performance for my dream.”
What Now?
On July 2, 2021, the USDA announced that Sha’Carri Richardson officially accepted the one-month suspension regarding the international rules under the anti-doping rule violation for testing positive for a substance such as marijuana.
USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart said, “The rules are clear, but this is heartbreaking on many levels; hopefully, her acceptance of responsibility and apology will be an important example to us all that we can successfully overcome our regrettable decisions, despite the costly consequences of this one to her.”
Usually, according to the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code, if an athlete tests positive for THC, and can prove that their usage occurred out of completion and had relation to their performance, the athlete receives a 3-month suspension.
However, if the athlete completes a Substance of Abuse treatment offered by USADA, the suspension is reduced to one month.
Because Richardson willfully completed a counseling program in regards to her use of marijuana, beyond this milestone, her eligibility for the Toyko Games is to be determined by USOPC and/or USA Track and Field eligibility rules.