Sha’Carri Richardson could miss the Tokyo Olympics over a reported failed drug test

Sha’Carri Richardson shocked the world and her fans today with the news that a failed drug test could keep her away from the Tokyo Olympics.

The American sprinter has been on the minds and hearts of the public for the past few weeks as the visibility of a queer, black woman with tattoos and dyed hair has been a symbol for many of an inclusive future that we can look forward to at the post-pandemic. But it seems the world isn’t quite ready for their alleged cannabis use to be included in the mix, and it could keep them away from the Olympics forever.

Richardson, only 21 years old, may have failed a drug test this week, as first reported by Jamaica Gleaner, which claimed she tested positive for a banned substance. Because of this, her performance in the US Olympic Trials would no longer be valid and she will likely miss the Tokyo Olympics.

More information was then confirmed when Tyler tweeted Dragon of the Enquirer that she was not using steroids, as some had assumed, but was facing a 30-day ban specifically for cannabis use because she tested positive for marijuana.

However, there is hope on the horizon. While she will most likely be banned from the 100-meter run at the Olympics, she could be left behind in time for the 4×100-meter relay. Depending on what is decided, she could be banned for one to three months for failing the drug test at the Olympic trials.

This also means that their US 100m Olympic champion is no longer valid. Hanna Prandini will likely replace her if it stays that way, despite finishing fourth at the event.

Cryptic message and prohibition at the Olympics

Richardson has still not addressed what happened publicly, at least not in the usual sense. She withdrew from the Diamond League meeting on Sunday in Stockholm, where she wanted to run the 200 meters. She also tweeted today and simply said “I am human”. No one is sure whether the cryptic message relates to their desire to use cannabis, the fact that to be insane is human, or something else entirely.

The Olympic Games start on July 23rd this year and last until August 8th. They were originally postponed due to COVID, but now they are back in full swing and much of the world is eagerly waiting for this tradition to continue in a time of unity and togetherness is in great demand.

However, while America and the rest of the world wait patiently for the Olympics, America’s insistence on cannabis prohibition is still putting athletes back. Khamari Montgomery, an American sprinter and 2018 US 400m champion, also tested positive for cannabis at the Miramar Invitational on April 10 and faced a month-long ban and a treatment program that had to be completed before leaving could compete again.

Now the pattern seems to be repeating itself at Richardson, who may be disqualified for harmless cannabis use, bringing victory to the US and making a new generation of viewers proud. Despite the fact that many states have legalized and approval continues to grow, President Joe Biden still needs to take serious steps to make cannabis legal, and the Olympics also have yet to take steps to update their cannabis policies and treat steroids differently and hard drugs.

It is still not clear how this will all play out and how long it will take when it gets banned. But one thing is clear – modern athletes and public figures are demanding the acceptance of cannabis, and it is time for those in power to listen.