UPDATE: Sha’Carri Richardson Speaks Out After Failed Drug Test — Admits To Using Marijuana To Cope With Mother’s Death But Takes Full Accountability
As we previously reported, US sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson tested positive for cannabis last month, putting her chances of competing in the 100 meters at the Tokyo Olympics. The Jamaica Gleaner first broke the news that Richardson may not be able to run at the Olympics because of her actions.
Richardson won the 100 meters at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials on June 19 in Eugene, Ore., but tested positive at the competition, a source told Reuters. Her lawyer confirmed to NBC News that she has been suspended from the Olympic team after testing positive for THC, which is the chemical in marijuana. As the news broke late Thursday, Richardson tweeted, “I am human.” This Friday she’s now speaking out to explain her reason for breaking the rules.
While appearing on the Today Show, Richardson admitted to using marijuana to cope with the loss of her biological mother. She said she had no idea until that her mother had died until a reporter told her at the game. She said she used the drug to suppress her pain. Although marijuana is legal in Oregon, where she used it, she did break the rules as an athlete but is taking full accountability.
The 21-year-old said, “I know what I did, I know what I’m allowed to do … and I still made that decision.”
As a result of this, champion Sha’Carri Richardson cannot run in the Olympic 100-meter race after testing positive for a chemical found in marijuana. The 21-year-old sprinter was expected to face Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in one of the most highly anticipated races of the Olympic track meet.
Regarding the chance that she could still participate in a relay event, she says, “If I’m allowed to receive that blessing, then I’m grateful for it, but right now, I’m going to just focus on myself.” She says: “I’d like to say to my fans and my family and my sponsorship … I apologize,” adding, “Don’t judge me: I’m human. I just happen to run a little faster.” She adds: “I still have games in me … I’ll be back and ready to compete.”
Press Play Below For More:
Sha’Carri Richardson (@itskerrii) joins us live for an exclusive interview to discuss the positive marijuana test that’s put her Olympic future in limbo. pic.twitter.com/iVBp3zhvja
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) July 2, 2021