Sha’Carri Richardson, the US track and field sprinting icon, who is destined for the upcoming Olympics Games, has reportedly failed a drug test and can possibly miss her flight to Tokyo this month.
A regular in the 100m and 200m categories, Richardson earned her Tokyo Olympics berth after clocking a time of 10.86 seconds in the 100m dash event at the recently concluded United States Olympic Trials back in late June.
However, as reported by Tyler Dragon of Enquirer, the 21-year-old has recently failed a drug test and has been slapped with a 30 day suspension. While the substance is reportedly not steroids, Dragon adds that Richardson tested positive for marijuana.
With the grand quadrennial event about 20 days away, this means that the youngster will not be able to take part in her first ever Olympic Games.
Furthermore, according to Andre Lowe of Jamaica Gleaner, “traces” of the illegal substance was detected in the sprinter’s sample which was collected at the Olympic Trials. However, it doesn’t automatically translate into a complete bar from the Games as Richardson may still be allowed to compete in the 4×100 relay.
The decision will come from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). As per the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited substance list, all natural and synthetic cannabinoids (except cannabidiol) are banned during all competitions.
Nonetheless, she won’t be representing US in the 100m event and has been replaced by 28 year old Jenna Prandini, who came fourth during the Trials last month.
(more to follow)
