On Friday’s press briefing White House press secretary praised sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson. However, she avoided the question about whether Biden agrees with the decision of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency decision to suspend her from the U.S. Olympic team for testing positive for marijuana.
Psaki says U.S. sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson is an "inspiring young woman," but her suspension for marijuana use is an "independent decision" by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency: "We will certainly leave them the space and room to make their decisions" https://t.co/uYBAq4ri9Y pic.twitter.com/gYZgSTgx9N
— CBS News (@CBSNews) July 2, 2021
Psaki avoided questions whether Biden agrees with the decision to suspend Richardson from the Olympics
In the press briefing on Friday, the White House press secretary noted that the decision made by the agency was independent and not a decision that is made by the U.S. government. The White House press secretary added that they will leave them to make decisions about the policies in relation to anti-doping that need to be implemented.
However, Psaki noted that the “important” portion of the story about Richardson is an “inspiring young woman”.
Richardson was bound to the Tokyo Olympics after winning the women’s 100-meter race at the U.S. Field Trials in Oregano last month. Later on, it was revealed that her biological mother died a week before the Trials.
Then on Friday, the anti-doping agency found out that Richardson tested positive for THC, a chemical that can be seen in marijuana. Due to this, the competitive results obtained by Richardson during her U.S. team trials, have been disqualified. The Anti-Doping Agency also forfeited her medals, points, and prizes.
Although marijuana is technically legal in Oregon, earlier this year, Olympic’s anti-doping code classifies THC as a “substance of abuse”, and the use of it is considered as a violation of the rule.
Richardson apologized and promised that it will be the last time that she won’t be in the Olympics
Meanwhile, during an interview with Richardson on NBC news, Richardson apologized to her fans, family, and her sponsorship. She promised that this will be the last time that she won’t attend the Olympics and it will be the last time that the United States doesn’t grab the gold medal in 100-meter.
Early Friday, Richardson accepted a one-month suspension from the U.S. Anti-Doping agency due to her violation of the anti-doping rule.
Sha’Carri Richardson apologizes to her “fans, family and the haters” over her failed drug test pic.twitter.com/s4c8nHekMv
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) July 2, 2021
USA Track and Field wrote a statement, saying that Richardson’s situation is unfortunate and devastating. They added that the health and well-being of athletes will continue to be the most critical priority of the USATF; they will also work with Richardson to ensure that she has enough support to overcome any mental challenges now and in the days to come.
After her show at the U.S. Field Trials, Richardson arose as a star to watch, endearing fans with her colorful orange hair, nose rings, long nails, and tattoos. Heartwarming video footage of her also went viral when she sprinted up the stand to hug her grandmother in celebration of her win.
