According to Reuters, American Olympian Sha’CarriRichardson is unlikely to compete this year. Jamaican newspaper Gleaner first reported the sprinter tested positive for an undisclosed substance. Several sources report it was cannabis.
The positive test happened at the U.S. Olympic trials. Richardson set herself up as a gold medal contender after winning the 100-meter run in 10.86 seconds. The win gave her the chance to go for the 100-meter title in Tokyo. But a positive test potentially voids all her efforts.
It’s reported the fourth-place runner in that final, Jenna Prandini, was approached by the Olympic committee to run for the U.S. in the 100.
To date, the only response from Richardson’s camp was a single tweet from the runner. It said, “I am human.”
The impact of the test goes beyond the Olympics. Richardson was to also run in the 200-meters at Sweden’s Diamond League. She was dropped off the race’s entry list. For athletes that take an approved treatment program while collaborating with a national anti-doping body, ban reduction can be only a month.
Cannabis is forbidden by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). Athletes have to prove the use of drugs has no relation to sports performance. If so, they receive a three-month suspension as opposed to the standard four years.
If allowed to run and Richardson won, the Texas native would be the first woman from America to take the 100-meter title since 1996.
Still, Richardson does have a slim chance of making the run. If USA Track & Field chooses to impose a 30-day ban that’sbackdated to the point of the positive test, there’s a chance she may still be eligible to take the 100-meter challenge.
The sprinter can appeal any sanction imposed on her. But so could any sports body that felt punishment was too lenient. And she would have to rush the process to make the summer Olympics.
In April, another American sprinter, Kahmari Montgomery, failed a marijuana test at the Miramar Invitational. He served a ban of one month and completed a drug treatment program.
At one time, the Olympics tested athletes for banned substances using urine testing. Only narcotics and stimulants were detectable. Testing improved and drugs that enhanced performance became the focus of WADA’s list of banned substances. The List (as it’s called) contains (i) sport-enhancing drugs; (ii) drugs harmful to health; and (iii) drugs that demoralize the spirit of sport.
There is irony in banning cannabis as the global community embraces medical and recreational use. Activism is strong in the cannabis community. Cannabis entrepreneur Steve DeAngelo is driving for global legalization. He sees cannabis as a benefit to all marginalized communities, such as indigenous peoples. His point of view is cannabis is an opportunity to create a path to greater prosperity and health for everyone.
The World Olympics is set for this summer. They postponed the 2020 schedule due to pandemic concerns.
There is word that Richardson will have appeared on The Today Show by the time this sees print.
