Despite the fact that many of her fans hoped she would be permitted to compete in some way at the Tokyo Olympics despite testing positive for marijuana, it has now been announced that Sha’Carri Richardson will be unable to compete at all. Former Olympic prospect Sha’Carri Richardson’s career has taken a major hit in the last several days, and she has recently received yet another setback.
Sha’Carri can now officially say goodbye to her 2021 Olympics ambitions after not being selected for the 4 x 100 Olympic relay team in Tokyo, despite the outpouring of support and encouragement she received after testing positive for marijuana just weeks before the next Tokyo Olympics. Sha’Carri, who is now suspended, had one more chance to compete in the Olympics, but the 21-year-old will not be competing in any Olympic events, according to the USA Track & Field roster.
“It would be damaging to the integrity of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Track & Field if USATF modified its policies following competition, only weeks before the Olympic Games,” USA Track & Field said in a statement regarding their decision to disqualify Sha’Carri. All USATF athletes are aware of and must follow the existing anti-doping code, and our reputation as the National Governing Body would be jeopardized if laws were only enforced in specific situations. So, while we have a special place in our hearts for Sha’Carri, we must also be fair to all of the competitors who tried to make their dreams come true by earning a spot on the US Olympic Track & Field Team.”
Sha’Carri Richardson tested positive for marijuana, which is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency, late last month during the US Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon, as we previously reported.
