In an exclusive interview on the Today show, Sha’Carri Richardson spoke about accepting her one-month suspension for marijuana use and how her emotions blinded her in the midst of her mother’s death.
Richardson failed a drug test following her Olympic qualifying 100-meter race victory at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon, on June 19, according to the United States Anti-Doping Agency.
“Richardson’s competitive results obtained on June 19, 2021, including her Olympic qualifying results at the Team Trials, have been disqualified, and she forfeits any medals, points, and prizes,” a statement from the USADA said.
“I want to take responsibility for my actions,” the young sprinter said.
“I know what I did and what I’m not supposed to do. I know what I’m not allowed to do, and I still made that decision. Not making an excuse or looking for any empathy in my case, but being in that position of my life and finding out something like that—something that I would say has impacted my life positively and negatively in my life when it comes to dealing with the relationship with my mother—that definitely was a heavy topic on me.”
Richardson also mentioned that she “was definitely triggered and blinded by emotions, blinded by badness, and hurting, and hiding hurt. I know I can’t hide myself, so in some type of way, I was trying to hide my pain.”
The 21-year-old seemingly reflected her emotions in a recent tweet where she said, “I am human.”
I am human
— Sha’Carri Richardson (@itskerrii) July 1, 2021
When asked what her message is to her fans regarding the situation she said, “I would like to say to my fans and my family and my sponsorship, to the haters, too, I apologize.”
.“As much as I’m disappointed, I know that when I step on that track, I don’t represent myself, I represent a community that has shown me great support, great love.”
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A statement from USA Track & Field said, “Sha’Carri Richardson’s situation is incredibly unfortunate and devastating for everyone involved.”
“Athlete health and well-being continue to be one of USATF’s most critical priorities, and we will work with Sha’Carri to ensure she has ample resources to overcome any mental health challenges now and in the future,” the statement continued.
“This will be the last time the Olympics don’t see Sha’Carri Richardson, and this will be the last time the U.S. doesn’t come home with a gold medal in the 100,” Richardson said.
“This is just one game. I’m 21. I’m very young.”
“I have plenty of games left in me to compete in, and I have plenty of talent that backs me up.”
“After my sanction is up, I’ll be back and ready to compete. This will never happen again,” she added.
