Many athletes support Sha’Carri Richardson after she was suspended from Tokyo 100m for using marijuana

From Olympic track champion, Michael Johnson to NFL and NBA star backs Sha’Carri Richardson after marijuana costs her Tokyo 100m Olympic berth. The US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced a one-month ban at Sha’Carri Richardson for testing positive for marijuana which is banned by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). According to her, she took the drug to cope with the pressure of trying to reach the Olympics and the pain of learning about the death of her biological mother.

Michael Johnson, four-time world champion and two-time Olympic champion at 400m and former World and Olympic 200m champion, tweeted, “I don’t know why marijuana is banned. Maybe a good reason. Maybe not. I know how it feels to lose a parent. Indescribable pain! I’m from the same neighbourhood as (Richardson) a tough place! I wish people would stop calling her and this ban stupid unless you know the reason for both.”

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This issue of Richardson reached White House briefing and White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, “Sha’Carri Richardson is an inspiring young woman who has gone through a lot personally. She also happens to be one of the fastest women in the world and that’s an important part of the story.” From sports stars to politicians are in support of Sha’Carri Richardson and against the decision of USADA.