This archive report was first published on 2 July 2021.
July 2, 2021, marked a turning point for American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson, as she faced the possibility of missing the Tokyo Olympics after testing positive for marijuana.
Richardson, 21, had won the women's 100-meter race at the U.S. track and field trials in Oregon last month, but her positive test automatically invalidated her result in that marquee event.
According to two people with knowledge of the test results, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the situation, Richardson's suspension could be as short as one month.
U.S.A. Track & Field has notified other women who competed in the 100-meter trials final about the failed drug test, and several runners have been told that they have moved up a spot in the final standings.
Jenna Prandini, who placed fourth at the trials, has been notified that she will now be one of the three American women running the 100 meters in Tokyo, and Gabby Thomas, who finished fifth at the trials, was named as an alternate for the race.
Richardson's positive test came about a week before the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee needs to submit the names of its athletes competing in Tokyo, and she was not only supposed to be one of them but also was expected to be one of the most recognizable Olympians.
Her victory in 10.86 seconds made her an instant favorite to win the gold medal in Tokyo and set up a highly anticipated showdown at the Olympics with the Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
