Usatf

The 21-year-old American, who won the 100m at the US trials last month, returned an adverse analytical finding, following a test administered at the US Olympic Trials and marijuana was classified as a Substance of Abuse by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on January 1, 2021.

According to the reports, the use of this substance carries a maximum four-year ban.

However, if she can prove that the use of the drug was used outside of competition and was not intended to enhance performance, she could have the ban reduced to three months. It has also been reported that should she agree to undertake a treatment program, the ban could be reduced further.

As it stands, however, the athlete has been stripped of her performances at the US trials and fourth-place winner Jenna Prandini as well as Gabby Thomas have been notified that they could be potential replacements and have been entered in the 100m.

Richardson, the 2019 NCAA 100m champion, generated much excitement for a potential match up with two-time Olympic 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce when she raced to a world-leading 10.72 100m in April. It was the fastest any woman had ever run so early in a season.

She followed it up with four more times under 10.8 seconds during the season.

When Fraser-Pryce, who is vying for an unprecedented third Olympic 100m title, ran a world-leading 10.63 on June 5, the excitement in anticipation of a blockbuster clash in Tokyo intensified.

Now it seems that that match up will not happen.

The best-case scenario for Richardson, should the ban remain in effect, is that she would be available to run on the USA’s 4x100m relay team at the Olympic Games in August if selected by USA Track and Field.

Richardson won the 100m for women at the US trials in 10.86 setting a potential blockbuster clash with the world’s best female sprinters, especially two-time Olympic champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who is gunning for an unprecedented third Olympic 100m title.

However, following the unfortunate news that broke last yesterday, the USATF issued a brief statement saying, “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.”

According to reports, Richardson could face a four-year ban. However, if she can establish that the use of the drug was used outside of competition and was not intended to enhance performance, she could have the ban reduced to three months. It has also been reported that should she agree to undertake a treatment program, the ban could be reduced further.

One report claims that if Richardson’s ban is substantially reduced, she could still be available to compete in the 4x100m relay at the Olympic Games if selected.

However, Jenna Prandini, who was fourth at the US trials and Gabby Thomas, has been entered for the 100m in Tokyo.