Story at a glance
- The United States Anti-Doping Agency has reportedly suspended American sprinting champion Sha’Carri Richardson for one month following a failed drug test at last month’s Olympic trials.
- “I know what I did. I know what I’m supposed to do. I know what I’m allowed not to do. But I still made that decision. I’m not making an excuse,” Richardson said on the “Today” show Friday.
- The track star told NBC that her use of the prohibited substance was part of a way to deal with the death of her biological mother — news she learned a week before the June trials.
The United States Anti-Doping Agency has reportedly suspended American sprinting champion Sha’Carri Richardson for one month following a failed drug test at last month’s Olympic trials, casting doubt on her chances of competing in the 2020 games.
The 21 year old tested positive for marijuana — a substance banned by the Word Anti-Doping Agency from the evening before an event until its conclusion — following her 10.86 second 100-meter victory at the Olympic trials in Eugene, Ore.
“I want to take responsibility for my actions,” Richardson said in an interview with the “Today” show on Friday. “I know what I did. I know what I’m supposed to do. I know what I’m allowed not to do. But I still made that decision. I’m not making an excuse.”
“Don’t judge me because I am human,” she added further in the interview.
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Richardson’s one month ban could leave the door open for a shot at competing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, The New York Times reported. If chosen, Richardson could take part in the 4×100 meter relay race scheduled for Aug. 5.
The track star told NBC that her use of the prohibited substance was part of a way to deal with the death of her biological mother — news she learned a week before the June trials.
“It sent me into a state of emotional panic,” Richardson said, adding that she didn’t know how to handle her emotional distress at the time.
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A source familiar with the matter told The New York Times that U.S.A. Track & Field (USATF) has informed several women who competed in the Olympic Trials of Richardson’s failed test. The organization said in a statement that the “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 statement concluded.
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics are scheduled to begin July 23.
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