US sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson will be missing the Tokyo Olympics because she tested positive for marijuana during the US Track & Field trials. With cannabis legal in many states across America, why is it still outlawed in sports?
With her flowing tangerine orange hair, killer smile and lightning speed, Sha’Carri Richardson was unmissable in the lead-up to the Olympic Games.
Considered the sixth-fastest woman in history, with a best-ever time for the 100m of 10.72, the Texas sprinter was expected to be a major contender for the Gold medal in Tokyo.
But when her teammates take to the track for the women’s 100m heats on Thursday, she won’t be there.
In early July, it was announced that Ms Richardson would not be representing the US at the games because she had tested positive for cannabis use during the qualifying race.
As punishment, the US Anti-Doping Agency banned her from competing for one month and expunged her qualifying victory. Although the 30-day suspension technically ended during the Tokyo games, US Athletics chose not to include her on the team.
Her disqualification has reignited a long debate over marijuana prohibition in
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