Athletics-American sprinter Richardson banned from 100m Olympics after cannabis test Reuters

Cayon Reno

Kingston, Jamaica (Reuters)-American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson is expected to be one of the biggest draws in the Tokyo Olympics, but after accepting a month-long ban, she will miss the 100 Olympics Meters game. Triumph in June.

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) confirmed the suspension on Friday, although the 21-year-old still has the opportunity to participate in the Olympic relay.

In the U.S. Olympic trials, Richardson won the 100 meters in 10.86 seconds, highlighting her qualifications as a strong contender for the gold medal, and thus received a positive test.

The Tokyo Women’s 100m event started on July 30, two days after Richardson’s ban ended, but the unfavorable result meant that her results in the Olympic qualifiers were cancelled. The qualifiers were the top three qualified athletes in each event Provide automatic seats.

“The rules are clear, but it is heartbreaking on many levels,” said Travis Tygart, CEO of USADA. “Hope her acceptance of responsibility and apology will become an important example for all of us, and we can successfully overcome our regrettable decision, despite the costly consequences for her.”

Richardson said in an interview on NBC’s Today Show on Friday that her actions occurred while she was dealing with news of her mother’s death.

“Like I tweeted yesterday, I am human. We are human, and I want to be as transparent as possible to you, for better or for worse,” she said.

“But Sha’Carri Richardson’s name will never have steroids. The allegations and circumstances are marijuana.”

The US Anti-Doping Agency stated that her ban was reduced to one month because she used marijuana in the competition and had nothing to do with athletic performance. She also successfully completed a consultation plan regarding her use of the drug.

This ban may allow Richardson, the fastest American woman this year, to participate in the 4x100m relay race at the Olympic Games in the first week of August with a time of 10.72 seconds, if she were two athletes selected by the US track and field team. One (USATF) is above the top four test completers.

Sportswear manufacturer Nike (New York Stock Exchange:), sponsored Richardson, expressed that he would support her. “We thank Shakari for her honesty and sense of responsibility, and will continue to support her through this time,” it said in a statement.

“I still have a lot of games to play”

When asked if she would like to have the opportunity to participate in the relay race in Tokyo, Richardson said: “Now I just put all my time and energy on dealing with the things I need to deal with to heal myself.

“So if I were allowed to get that position (in the Olympics), I would be grateful, but if not, now I will focus on myself.

“I’m 21 years old and I’m very young. Unlike most people, I still have a lot of competitions to participate in, and I have a lot of talent to support me, because everything I do comes from myself, no steroids, nothing.

“This matter is about marijuana, so after my sanctions are over, I will come back and be able to participate in the competition. Every time I step on the track, I will prepare for the arrival of any anti-doping agency and get it. What they need.”

USATF stated that it will help Richardson deal with any mental health challenges. “The situation of Sha’Carri Richardson is very unfortunate and devastating for all involved,” it added.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibits the use of marijuana, but if athletes can prove that the intake is not related to performance, they will be suspended for three months instead of the usual two or four years.

If athletes are willing to cooperate with their national anti-doping agency on an approved treatment plan, the ban can be reduced to one month.

Richardson was in Oregon while using this drug, which was legal. “I know what I did, I know what I should do… and I still made that decision,” she said.

Richardson can also appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), while the Athletics Integrity Department (AIU) can appeal to seek a longer injunction. An AIU spokesperson said that they have requested the case file from USADA, but could not comment further before considering the relevant information.

Richardson’s goal is to become the first American woman to win the Olympic 100-meter championship since Gail Devers in 1996. Her time in April was 10.72 seconds-this is her five runs this season. Movement is less than one of 11 seconds.

Her performance, bright hair and confident speech helped her attract a large number of social media followers, although she has also been criticized for banning excessive testosterone for collaborating with coach Dennis Mitchell.