Sha’Carri Richardson to miss Olympic sprint after positive cannabis test

2 July 2021, 15:30

Sha’Carri Richardson at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials on June 19
Sha’Carri Richardson at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials on June 19. Picture: Getty

By Daisy Stephens

American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson has been suspended for one month after testing positive for a substance of abuse, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has announced.

The 21-year-old 100 metres star tested positive for THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, during in-competition testing at the US Olympic Trials on June 19, and her Olympic qualifying results have been disqualified.

It means she will be unable to participate in the 100m sprint, although she may still be able to take part in the 100m relay.

"The rules are clear, but this is heart-breaking on many levels," said USADA chief executive Travis Tygart.

"Hopefully, her acceptance of responsibility and apology will be an important example to us all that we can successfully overcome our regrettable decisions, despite the costly consequences of this one to her."

Read more: Statue of the Queen toppled in Canada during protest over indigenous children deaths

Read more: Brits who received Indian-made AstraZeneca jabs ‘could be barred from visiting Europe’

Richardson has posted the second-fastest 100m time in the world this year, at 10.72 seconds.

USADA said the period of ineligibility had been reduced to one month, starting from June 28, instead of the usual three-month period because her use of cannabis occurred out of competition, was unrelated to her sport performance and because she completed a counselling programme in relation to the drug use.

Her ban will be up by the time the relay takes place, but it is unclear whether or not she will participate.

USADA said it was up to the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and USA Track and Field (USATF) to determine her eligibility for the Games.

The USOPC said: "While we are heartbroken, the USOPC is steadfast in its commitment to clean competition and it supports the anti-doping code.

"A positive test for any banned substance comes with consequences and we are working with USATF to determine the appropriate next steps.

"We are dedicated to providing Sha'Carri the support services she needs during this difficult time."

Tom Swarbrick's exchange with reporter on rules for Tokyo Olympics

USATF posted a statement on its website which read: "Sha'Carri Richardson's 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."

Richardson's positive test came a week after the death of her biological mother.

"I apologise for the fact that I didn't even know how to control my emotions or deal with that during that time," she told NBC on Friday.

Read more: What is the EU Digital Covid Certificate and can I get one?

Read more: 'She's an absolute legend': James O'Brien praises Kim Leadbeater after her by-election win

She also said: "I greatly apologise if I let you guys down - and I did.

"This will be the last time the US comes home without a gold in the 100m.

"I'm 21, I'm very young, I have plenty of Games left in me to compete in and plenty of talent that backs me up because everything I do comes naturally to me, no steroids or anything.

"This incident was about marijuana so after my sanction is up I'll be back.

"Next time I step on the track I'll be ready for whatever anti-doping agencies come and [they will] get whatever they need because this will never happen again."

Read more: Boris Johnson to meet Angela Merkel for talks on Covid travel rules

Read more: NI prosecutors drop case against ex-soldier accused of killing boy, 15, in 1972

All natural and synthetic cannabinoids are prohibited in-competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency, and can come with a ban of up to four years.

However this can be reduced if the individual can show it was not related to sports performance and if they agree to a treatment programme, both of which apply in Richardson's case.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Sir Chris Hoy said 'if you're over the age of 45, go and ask your doctor' for screening

Sir Chris Hoy calls for men to be offered prostate cancer screening from the age of 45 after his terminal diagnosis

Kamala Harris went door-knocking in Pennsylvania on the night before the election

Kamala Harris surprises residents in Pennsylvania as she goes door-knocking in final bid to win votes

Nearly 600 police officers sacked in a year amid as shocking figures reveal extent of misconduct crackdown

Nearly 600 police officers sacked in a year as shocking figures reveal extent of misconduct crackdown

Hundreds of people died in the devastating flooding in Spain

British man who survived Valencia floods describes hearing his neighbours’ horrifying final screams before they died

Amy Dowden said she was ‘heartbroken' as she left this year's Strictly Come Dancing

Amy Dowden says her ‘heart is breaking’ after she confirmed she will not return to Strictly

Anthony Scaramucci said the row between Trump and Labour would blow over

'Anglophile' Trump's row with Starmer will have 'no impact' on wider relations with UK, Anthony Scaramucci says

Nick Ferrari attends his first Trump rally in Pennsylvania as he meets the crowd in 'the poorest city in the United States'

Nick Ferrari attends his first Trump rally in Pennsylvania as he meets the crowd in 'the poorest city in the US'

Exclusive
Nick Ferrari bumps into Nigel Farage in Pennsylvania as he reflects on Trump's "remarkable" foreign policy achievements

Nick Ferrari bumps into Nigel Farage in Pennsylvania as he reflects on Trump's 'near-death' experience

Live
US Presidential Election 2024 LIVE: Millions of Americans head to the polls as election day arrives

US Presidential Election 2024 LIVE: Millions of Americans head to the polls in the final race for the White House

Proud Boys claim they will go to voting places as Trump repeats election fraud lies.

Proud Boys making plans to mobilise as Trump repeats election fraud lies

File photo of a real NHS dentist

Desperate Brits fall for scam 'fake NHS dentists' amid years-long waits for appointments

The Kremlin is suspected of plotting the attack

'Parcel bombs' that blew up in warehouse were 'rehearsal' for Russian explosion attack on flight to US

Keir Starmer is not set to ban smoking in pub gardens, contrary to earlier reports

Cigarettes will not be banned in pub gardens under new Labour plan create 'smoke-free generation'

Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Reading, Pennsylvania

Trump threatens Mexico with 100% tariffs unless it cracks down on border crossings

Bridget Phillipson told Tonight with Andrew Marr that the fee hike was necessary to secure the future of universities.

‘Universities must reform’ says education secretary after first hike in tuition fees in 8 years

Two more cases of a new strain of mpox have been detected in the UK, officials say

Two more cases of new mpox strain detected in UK