Olympic Hopeful Disqualified After Testing Positive for Weed

DALLAS, TX – Weeks after Texas native Sha’Carri Richardson made headlines for winning the 100 meter race at Olympic trials, she will no longer run in the Olympics after testing positive for marijuana.

The 21-year-old tested positive for the drug during the Olympic trials, thus erasing her record-breaking run.

According to the United States Anti-Doping Agency, "Richardson, tested positive for 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (Carboxy-THC)... above the urinary Decision Limit of 180 ng/mL, as the result of a sample collected in competition at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials on June 19, 2021."

Cannabis, marijuana, and hashish are currently prohibited in competition under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policy, and the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules.

After the results of her drug test became public, Richardson accepted a one-month suspension. 

“The rules are clear, but this is heartbreaking on many levels; 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,” said USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart.

The 2021 World Anti-Doping Code newly classifies THC as a “Substance of Abuse” because it is frequently used in society outside the context of sport. 

According to the code, if an athlete who tests positive for a Substance of Abuse establishes that their use of the substance occurred out of competition and was unrelated to sports performance, the athlete will receive a three-month sanction. If the athlete satisfactorily completes a Substance of Abuse treatment program approved by USADA, the sanction may be further reduced to one month.

During an appearance on the Today Show, Richardson apologized for testing positive for marijuana. 

Richardson explained she knew the rules, but used the drug as a coping mechanism after her mother's death.

Her biological mother died a week before the Olympic trials.

"I apologize. As much as I'm disappointed I know that when I step on the track I represent not only myself, I represent a community that has shown great support, great love ... I apologize for the fact that I didn't know how to control my emotions or deal with my emotions during that time," said Richardson.

"We all have our different struggles, we all have our different things we deal with, but to put on a face and have to go out in front of the world and put on a face and hide my pain. Who are you? Who am I to tell you how to cope when you're dealing with a pain or you're dealing with a struggle that you've never experienced before or that you never thought you'd have to deal with. Who am I to tell you how to cope? Who am I to tell you you're wrong for hurting?"

While she will no longer be eligible to compete in the 100-meter dash, Richardson may still have the option to compete in the 4x100-meter relay at the Olympics on Aug. 6, if she is selected by the UTSATF.