Track star Sha’Carri Richardson officially won’t compete in the Tokyo Olympics. Last month Richardson was suspended from the 100-meter race, following a positive marijuana test. Some were hoping she would be able to run on the 4×100 meter relay team for the United States. Today it was announced that she will not be able to participate in the team event.
Richardson’s name was reportedly not on the USATF roster that was sent out. ESPN reports the federation had two discretionary picks beyond the top four finishers in the 100-meter final at trials but did not choose the sprinter, who was expected to challenge for the gold medal.
Richardson’s positive test nullified her win at Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon last month and the spot she earned for a trip to Tokyo in the 100 meter, which falls within the 30-day suspension. The start of the relays on August 5, however, are past the suspension window, which left open the possibility of participating in the relay.
The 21-years-old agent, Renaldo Nehemiah, gave a statement to ESPN saying “We haven’t spoken about it at all. It was actually not a topic we focused on.”
USATF said in a statement it was “incredibly sympathetic toward Sha’Carri Richardson’s extenuating circumstances” and “fully agrees” that international rules regarding marijuana should be reevaluated.
“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,” the statement read.
