This archive report was first published on 7 July 2021.
On July 7, 2021, the White House expressed its willingness to review anti-doping rules in sports following the ban of American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson for cannabis use.
Richardson, 21, was expected to be a top contender at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo but was unable to compete in the individual 100m event due to a one-month ban for the prohibited substance.
Her suspension also wiped out her win at the trials, leaving her with only one remaining hope of competing at the Games - selection for the relay team.
However, USA Track & Field (USATF) declined to select Richardson for the team, citing fairness for other athletes.
"We know the rules are where they are, maybe we should take another look at them," said White House press secretary Jen Psaki in a CNN interview, adding that President Joe Biden had paid particular attention to Richardson after the tragedy she endured.
"We certainly have to respect the role of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and the U.S. Olympic Committee and the decisions they make," said Psaki. "But it is sad, and we do wish her luck and look forward to seeing her running, running as the fastest woman in the world, and for years to come."
USADA CEO Travis Tygart responded by stating that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was the global arbiter and that the USADA was bound to WADA rules, even in sad and tough cases.
