Following Sha’Carri Richardson’s suspension for testing positive for marijuana at the recent US Olympic trials, a discussion has emerged among leaders in Washington.
“The rules are the rules,” stated US President Joe Biden, emphasizing that everyone was aware of the regulations beforehand. He went on to say, “Whether the rules should be revisited is a separate matter, but for now, they must be upheld.”
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent member of the Democratic Party, called on the US Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) to lift the suspension, arguing that it would be a step towards protecting civil liberties.
Donald Trump Jr., the son of former President Trump, echoed similar sentiments on Twitter, asserting, “Let her compete, using marijuana surely did not make anyone faster.”
The women’s 100m sprint, which Richardson excelled in at the US trials, is scheduled for July 30 at the Tokyo Olympics. Although Richardson’s suspension concludes on July 28, allowing her to potentially participate in the 4x100m relay, she will be ineligible for individual competition due to the voiding of her winning time from the trials due to the positive drug test.
Expressing her thoughts after Usada confirmed her suspension on Friday, Richardson stated, “If given the opportunity to compete, I am grateful, but my primary focus will be on myself. To my supporters, family, and critics, I offer my apologies. I understand that I am a representative of a community characterized by immense love, and I let you down.”
