The United States Track and Field team released its roster for the Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday. Sha'Carri Richardson’s name wasn’t on there, meaning the sprinter will officially miss the 2020 Summer Games after testing positive for marijuana.
The 21-year-old Richardson is serving a one-month suspension after testing positive during the U.S. Olympic Trials in late June. She was forced to miss the 100-meter dash, which she won in 10.86 at the Olympic Trials on June 19, but was potentially eligible for the 4-by-100 relay on Aug. 5 in Tokyo. She wasn’t picked for the relay, however, and U.S. Track and Field officials released a statement saying that they are sympathetic toward Richardson but had to enforce the anti-doping rules that are in place.
"While USATF fully agrees that the merit of the World Anti-Doping Agency rules related to THC should be reevaluated, it would be detrimental to the integrity of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Track & Field if USATF amended its policies following competition, only weeks before the Olympic Games," the organization’s statement reads. “All USATF athletes are equally aware of and must adhere to the current anti-doping code, and our credibility as the National Governing Body would be lost if rules were only enforced under certain circumstances.
“So while our heartfelt understanding lies with Sha’Carri, we must also maintain fairness for all of the athletes who attempted to realize their dreams by securing a place on the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team.”
According to The Associated Press, USATF has two discretionary picks beyond the top four finishers in the 100-meter final at trials.
After her positive test, Richardson said the stress of her biological mother’s recent death and the pressure of trials caused her to use marijuana. She tweeted on July 3, "I'm sorry I can't be y'all Olympic Champ this year but I promise I'll be your World Champ next year," and on July 4, "All these perfect people that know how to live life, I'm glad I'm not one of them!"
Related content: Report: U.S. Sprinter Tests Positive for Marijuana
