No relay: Banned sprinter Richardson left off Olympic team
EDDIE PELLS and PAT GRAHAM, AP Sports Writers
July 6, 2021
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In this June 19, 2021 photo, Sha Carri Richardson celebrates after winning the first heat of the semis finals in women s 100-meter runat the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Ore. Richardson cannot run in the Olympic 100-meter race after testing positive for a chemical found in marijuana. Richardson, who won the 100 at Olympic trials in 10.86 seconds on June 19, told of her ban Friday, July 2 on the “Today Show.”Ashley Landis/AP
Banned sprinter Sha Carri Richardson was not on the Olympic roster released Tuesday by USA Track and Field, a decision that means the American champion s 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 this case, that meant offering the remaining relay spots to the sixth- and seventh-place finishers, each of whom moved up in the pecking order after Richardson s DQ. They are English Gardner and Aliea Hobbs.
Richardson tested positive for a chemical found in marijuana after her victory on June 19. She said the stress of her biological mother s recent death combined with the pressure of preparing for trials led her to use the drug.
“I was definitely triggered and blinded by emotions, blinded by badness, and hurting, and hiding hurt,” she said on NBC s “Today” show. “I know I can’t hide myself, so in some type of way, I was trying to hide my pain.”
Banned sprinter
Sha’Carri Richardson was not on the Olympic roster released Tuesday by USA Track and Field, a decision that means the American champion’s 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.
Richardson’s positive test nullified her win at Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon, last month and the spot that went with it for Tokyo in the 100. Her 30-day suspension will end before the start of the relays on Aug. 5, which left open the possibility she could win a medal as part of the 4×100 relay team.
Richardson tested positive for a chemical found in marijuana after her victory on June 19. She said the stress of her biological mother’s recent death combined with the pressure of preparing for trials led her to use the drug.
“I was definitely triggered and blinded by emotions, blinded by badness, and hurting, and hiding hurt,” she said on NBC’s “Today” show. “I know I can’t hide myself, so in some type of way, I was trying to hide my pain.”
Over the weekend, she sent out a pair of tweets: “All these perfect people that know how to live life, I’m glad I’m not one of them!” and “2022-2025 undefeated!”