Sha'Carri Richardson apologises after testing positive for marijuana
Published:Friday | July 2, 2021 | 8:42 AM
Andre Lowe/Sports Editor
American sprinting sensation Sha'Carri Richardson has broken her silence after testing positive for marijuana at the US Olympic Trials, which has put her Tokyo Olympics participation in jeopardy.
The 21-year-old told NBC News that she received news of the passing of her biological mother, while doing an interview during the US Olympic Trials, which triggered an emotional response that led to her using the drug.
"I want to take responsibility for my actions, I know what I did, I know what I'm supposed to do and what I am not allowed to do and I still made that decision but I'm not making any excuse or empathy in my case but just being in that position in my life, finding out something like that I would say it's one of the biggest things that impacted me positively in my life, when it comes to dealing with the relationship that I have with my mother and so that was a very heavy thing for me," said Richardson.
The rising American star also said sorry for "failing" to control her emotions at the time.
"To my fans and my family, sponsors and to my haters, I apologise. As much as I am disappointed, I know that when I step on the track, I am not only representing myself, I represent a community that has shown me great support and great love," she said.
She continued: "I will just say that I am human, I want to be as transparent as possible with you guys. Don't judge me, I am human, I just happen to run a little faster."
The sprinter said she remains hopeful that she will get a chance to compete at the Olympics, with reports that there is a possibility that she will be named to Team USA's 4x100m relay pool, with the event set to start in Tokyo after her 30-day ban.
"I am just putting all of my time and energy into dealing with what I need to deal with to heal myself but If I am allowed to receive that blessing, I am grateful for it, but if not, I am going to just focus on myself," said Richardson.
Richardson, who was expected to challenge for the 100m gold medal at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
Last week, she won the event at the US Olympic Trials in 10.86 seconds.
That performance has since been disqualified and she has been replaced in the 100m for USA by fourth placed finisher, Jenna Prandini.
The Trials are used to select USA's team for the showpiece event.
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