Getty
EUGENE, OREGON – JUNE 18: Sha’Carri Richardson reacts after competing in the first round of the Women’s 100 Meters during day one of the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials at Hayward Field on June 18, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)
Getty
EUGENE, OREGON – JUNE 18: Sha’Carri Richardson reacts after competing in the first round of the Women’s 100 Meters during day one of the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials at Hayward Field on June 18, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)
The Track and Field world has been brimming with controversy over the bans and suspensions ahead of the Tokyo Olympics and the public eye has never been more involved in the happenings of these events. As world records are broken and made ahead of the Games, dreams have also come crashing down, as was the case with Sha?Carri Richardson a few days ago.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
The women?s 100m sprint favorite was handed a one-month suspension by the USA Anti Doping Agency after testing positive for Marijuana in the tests carried out after the Olympic trials. This suspension rules her out of the same event in Tokyo and as an athlete expected to win gold, this came as a huge shock to the nation.?
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 19, 2021; Eugene, OR, USA; Sha’Carri Richardson (right) celebrates with Javianne Oliver after winning the women’s 100m in 10.86 during the US Olympic Team Trials at Hayward Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
There has been an outrage on social media as fans and athletes alike question the logic of the decision. The idea of Marijuana being considered a performance-enhancing drug is under fire and not letting a favorite run in the Olympics because of it has fueled that fire.
Top Stories
Actor and Comedian Seth Rogen recently spoke out about the issue, joking that if marijuana was indeed performance-enhancing, he would be as fast as Florence Griffith Joyner. ?
?The notion that weed is a problematic ?drug? is rooted in racism. It?s insane that Team USA would disqualify one of this country?s most talented athletes over thinking that?s rooted in hatred. It?s something they should be ashamed of,? he wrote. ?Also if weed made you fast, I?d be FloJo.?
The notion that weed is a problematic “drug” is rooted in racism. It’s insane that Team USA would disqualify one of this country’s most talented athletes over thinking that’s rooted in hatred. It’s something they should be ashamed of. Also if weed made you fast, I’d be FloJo. https://t.co/swDLNoVcV3
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) July 2, 2021
Sha’Carri Richardson was touted as the next FloJo
Speaking of FloJo, Sha?Carri Richardson was heavily compared to the legendary athlete due to the semblance in looks. Idolizing FloJo, ShaCarri maintained the same nail style and mesmerized viewers with her fiery-looking hair.?
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 19, 2021; Eugene, OR, USA; Sha’Carri Richardson celebrates after winning the women’s 100m in 10.86 during the US Olympic Team Trials at Hayward Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
She was expected to be heavy competition for World champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica. Richardson came first in the Olympic trials held at Hayward Field Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. Clocking in at 10.86 seconds in the 100m sprint, she quickly emerged as the new hope of the United States for Olympic Gold.?
Due to her absence, fourth-placed Jenna Prandini will head to Tokyo instead alongside Javianne Oliver and Teahna Daniels who finished second and third respectively. Prandini will also participate in the 200m sprint finals in Tokyo, having qualified in the trials by placing second. She is expected to find a spot on the podium in the event and aims to do just that.
