American Sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson Might Miss Olympics After Reportedly Testing Positive For Marijuana

Sarah RumpfJul 1st, 2021, 11:22 pm
 
Sha'Carri Richardson

Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images.

Sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson has made headlines for her lightning fast speed and personal style — a recent Washington Post profile described her “Technicolor hair and perfect stride” — but she may unfortunately end up also being known for being a part of our national debate about drug policy.

The 21-year-old qualified for the Tokyo Olympics this summer after blazing past her competition in the 100 meter race with a time of 10.86. Her hair had recently been dyed orange, so it looked “as if she sprinted with flames coming out the back of her head,” and her long nails and confident attitude drew comparisons to another famous American Olympic sprinter, the late Florence Griffith Joyner, popularly known as Fl0-Jo.

But now Richardson’s chance to compete for gold is uncertain, after news reports Thursday that she had tested positive for marijuana and could face a 30-day suspension from the sport.

Andre Lowe at the Jamaica Gleaner was the first to report that “traces of the substance” showed up in the test Richardson took at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials last month. Cincinnati Enquirer sports reporter Tyler Dragon confirmed Lowe’s reporting with his own source, who expected her to be suspended for the 100-meter but possibly still be allowed to participate in the 4×100 relay.

According to Bleacher Report, the final decision about whether or not to suspend Richardson rests with the United States Anti-Doping Agency. All natural and synthetic cannabinoids are on the list of substances banned during competition. Willingness to participate in an approved treatment program can reduce the length of a suspension.

It’s not clear when the USADA might announce a decision.

Richardson has not commented on the controversy, other than a succinct tweet earlier in the day, “I am human.”

The news of Richardson’s drug test shocked sports reporters and her fans, sending her name trending on Twitter as many questioned the wisdom of a strict ban on marijuana, which isn’t known to have athletic performance enhancing qualities, like steroids, for example.

This is a breaking story and may be updated.

Tags:
Sarah Rumpf - Contributing Editor

Sarah Rumpf joined Mediaite in 2020 and is a Contributing Editor focusing on politics, law, and the media. A native Floridian, Sarah attended the University of Florida, graduating with a double major in Political Science and German, and earned her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the UF College of Law. Sarah's writing has been featured at National Review, The Daily Beast, Reason, Law & Crime, Independent Journal Review, Texas Monthly, The Capitolist, Breitbart Texas, Townhall, RedState, The Orlando Sentinel, and the Austin-American Statesman, and her political commentary has led to appearances on television, radio, and podcast programs across the globe. Follow Sarah on Bluesky and Threads.