Sha’Carri Richardson was not on the Olympic roster released Tuesday by USA Track and Field, a decision that means her positive test for marijuana will cost her a chance at running on the relay team in Tokyo, in addition to her spot in the 100-meter individual race.
In a statement, USATF said it was “incredibly sympathetic toward Sha’Carri Richardson’s extenuating circumstances” and “fully agrees” that international rules regarding marijuana should be reevaluated.
“So while our heartfelt understanding lies with Sha’Carri, we must also maintain fairness for all of the athletes who attempted to realize their dreams by securing a place on the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team,” the statement read.
The latter part of the statement refers to the fact that coaches had already selected members for the relay squad prior to Richardson’s positive test, so they would’ve had to move somebody off the team to make room for her.
The outcry for her only got louder and sparked some more reaction on social media, including from Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
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Richardson also told “Today” that this isn’t the end of her Olympic dreams.
“This is just one Games,” she said. “I’m 21, I’m very young. … I have plenty of Games left in me to compete in and I have plenty of talent that backs me up, because everything I do comes from me naturally. No steroid, no anything. This incident was about marijuana, so after my sanction is up I’ll be back and able to compete, and every single time I step on the track I’ll be ready for whatever anti-doping agency to come and get what it is that they need.”
