Sha’Carri Richardson has tested positive for a ban substance and is likely to miss this month’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The positive test for cannabis came at the US Olympic trials in June.
“I want to take responsibility for my actions,” she added. “I’m not looking for an excuse.”
“I would like to say to my fans and my family and my sponsorship, to the haters, too, I apologize,” she said. “As much as I’m disappointed, I know that when I step on that track, I don’t represent myself, I represent a community that has shown me great support, great love.”
Richardson was on form at the recently held US Olympic Trials, running 10.86 to win the women’s 100m final.
Richardson showboated earlier in the semi-final, easing up some 20 metres from the line. The wind reading was 2.6m/s.
Javianne Oliver, who ran 10.83 (+2.5m/s) in semis, ran 10.99 for second in the final. The third Tokyo qualifying spot went to Teahna Daniels in 11.03.
Jenna Prandini, who ran 11.11 for fourth in the final, is likely to take Richardson’s space.
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After her race at the US Olympic Trials, Michelle Obama praised the 21-year-old American.
“If you haven’t seen it yet, @itskerrii’s race at the Olympic Trials is something to behold—but her grace and grit in this interview might be even more special. We are all so proud of you, Sha’Carri! Can’t wait to see what you do in Tokyo!”
“I am up right now losing my mind !!!!,” Richardson replied in her retweet.
The women’s sprints at this summer’s Olympic Games will be hot, even without Richardson, as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Gabby Thomas, Elaine Thompson, Shericka Jackson, and Dina Asher-Smith are the leading stars this year.
Richardson had always faced questions about her working relationship with coach Dennis Mitchell.
“Y’all don’t have to worry about any doping situations coming from me,” said Richardson when asked about working with Mitchell earlier this year. “I back him 1,000 per cent.”
“I just want the world to know that I’m that girl,” said Richardson last weekend. “Every time I step on the track, I’m going to try to do what it is that me, my coach and my support team believe I can do, and with the talent that God blessed me to have.”
On Friday, Richardson told NBC’s “TODAY” show that “right now I’m just putting all of my energy into dealing with what I need to deal with to heal myself.”
