Sha’Carri Richardson will miss 100m event at the Tokyo Olympics after testing positive for cannabis

The US Anti-Doping Agency announced on Friday that American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson has accepted a one-month suspension after testing positive for cannabis, knocking her out of the 100 metres in Tokyo, though she may still be permitted to compete in later relay events.

Richardson established herself as a gold medal possibility after winning the 100m in 10.86 seconds in the United States Olympic trials last month.

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“The rules are clear, but this is heartbreaking on many levels; hopefully, her acceptance of responsibility and apology will be an important example to us all that we can successfully overcome our regrettable decisions, despite the costly consequences of this one to her,” USADA CEO Travis Tygart said.

Richardson said she took action during the trials because she was struggling with the death of her mother, according to an NBC interview on the Today Show on Friday. “I’m human, as I said in a tweet yesterday. We are all human, and I want to be as open with you guys as possible, whether it’s good or bad,” the American sprinter said.

“However, when it comes to Sha’Carri Richardson, there will never be a steroid associated with her name. Marijuana was the allegation and the situation,” she said.

If Richardson is selected by USATF, a 30-day ban backdated to the time of the negative result might clear her to compete in the 4x100m relay in the Olympics in the first week of August.