July 02, (THEWILL) – Sequel to the reports earlier on Friday by THEWILL, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has confirmed that American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson has accepted a one-month ban for testing positive for a banned substance.
By implication, Richardson, who qualified for the Summer Tokyo Olympics in the women’s 100 meters Olympic Trials in the US before testing positive for marijuana in a post-race drug test, will miss the Games, in part.
This is because the ban makes Richardson ineligible for the 100 meters as it covers the period of her qualification, but she would be able to run in the 4×100-meter relay because the suspension will have expired by the day of the relay races, if she makes it to the Games.
Travis T. Tygart, USADA’s Chief Executive Officer, said about the ban: “The rules are clear, but this is heartbreaking on many levels; hopefully, her acceptance of responsibility and apology will be an important example to us all that we can successfully overcome our regrettable decisions, despite the costly consequences of this one to her.”
As THEWILL reported, of all the athletes heading to the Olympics in the 100m event, only one, Jamaica’s two-time gold medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Price’s time of 10.63 has been faster than Richardson’s 10.64.
This made the possible competition for the fastest woman in the world between these two sprinters one of the most anticipated races at the Games, which begin July 23. It is most likely not going to be as exciting in Richardson’s absence, but the rules must be followed accordingly.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
