When anti-doping officials notified Sha’Carri Richardson that she had tested positive for marijuana — effectively banning her from the 100 meters at the Tokyo Olympics — the American sprinter with the fiery hair and electrifying speed offered a simple, subdued comment.
“I am human,” Richardson posted on social media.
The ensuing 24 hours have seen a far louder, if not angrier, response from around the sports world, with people asking why authorities still consider marijuana a prohibited substance.
Olympic great Michael Johnson expressed his concern on Twitter, as did Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who wrote: “This is so trash man … just let her run!”
The medical research community has had a similar reaction.
“I’m surprised they’re even checking for cannabis anymore,” said Dr. Mark Wallace, a UC San Diego professor who studies therapeutic use and pain management. “I guess they are looking for performance-enhancing drugs, which THC is not.”
The issue surrounding Richardson’s one-month suspension is complicated, encompassing societal mores, a web of sports organizations and intersecting regulations.
I’m surprised they’re even checking for cannabis anymore.Dr. Mark Wallace, UC San Diego professor who studies therapeutic use and pain management
It was only two weeks ago that the Texas native prompted comparisons to Florence Griffith Joyner when she won the 100 meters in 10.86 seconds at the U.S. Olympic trials. Fans were drawn to her brightly colored hair, audaciously long nails and the emotional way the 21-year-old scrambled into the stands to hug her grandmother after the race.
There was another aspect to her story — she had learned shortly beforehand about the death of her biological mother. Richardson now says she turned to marijuana to help ease her pain.
A post-race urine test detected too much THC, the main psychoactive constituent of marijuana, in her system.
The standards are set by the World Anti-Doping Agency and, in the case of American athletes, enforced by U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. USADA announced that its three-month penalty would be reduced by two-thirds because Richardson agreed to complete a substance abuse treatment program.
The ban will expire three days before the first 100-meter heats in Tokyo on July 30, but there is a problem. Richardson’s victory at the trials was annulled so, under U.S. Track & Field rules, she did not qualify for one of the team’s three spots. Fourth-place finisher Jenna Prandini is expected to take her place.
USATF officials have the option of naming Richardson to the 100-meter relay team but did not seem willing to make an exception for the individual event.
“Sha’Carri Richardson’s situation is incredibly unfortunate and devastating for everyone involved,” the national governing body said in a statement.
