BIG BASH LEAGUE, 2022-23

                                                         Drugs in Sports

After a positive cannabis test, Sha'Carri Richardson was forced to withdraw from the Olympic 100m.

Sha'Carri Richardson, the American sprint phenom, will not compete in the women's 100m at the Olympics after accepting a one-month suspension after testing positive for marijuana at the US trials last month.

The 21-year-old was considered one of the favourites for a gold medal after setting the sixth fastest time in history this year, but her disqualification means that her triumph at the US trials is no longer valid.

Richardson's Olympic ambition, though, may yet be realised if she is selected to compete in the US 4x100m relay squad in Tokyo. The best four finishers in the 100m trials, as well as two discretionary picks, can make up a squad of six for the race, according to USA Track & Field rules.

Richardson says she took marijuana after learning of her biological mother's death before racing in the trials in an interview with NBC on Friday. She went on to say, "I want to take responsibility for my acts; I know what I did and what I'm not meant to do."

She also claimed that she had never used more serious performance-enhancing medications, saying, "Everything I do comes easily to me." Sha'Carri Richardson's name will never be associated with steroid use. It turned out to be marijuana. Don't pass judgement on me because I'm a human.” “I'm just putting all my time and attention into taking care of myself,” Richardson said when questioned about the possibility of racing in the 4x100m relay. I'm grateful if I'm permitted to compete, but I'm going to concentrate on myself. I apologise to my supporters, family, and detractors. I know I represent a community that values love, and I'm sorry I let you down.”The US Anti-Doping Agency confirmed Richardson's suspension, which began on June 28. She had tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis, marijuana, and hashish, according to the report.

“The rules are clear, but this is heartbreaking on many levels,” said Travis Tygart, chief executive of Usada. “Hopefully, her acceptance of responsibility and apology will be an important example to us all that we can successfully overcome our regrettable decisions, despite the costly consequences of this one to her.”

Richardson, touted as the most exciting sprinter since Usain Bolt, was trying to become the first American woman to win the Olympic 100m championship since Gail Devers in 1996 after running 10.72 seconds in April – one of her five sub-11-second runs this season. She was also one of Nike's spokesmodels, and she could have made millions if she had won gold in Tokyo.

Richardson's predicament was "extremely upsetting for everyone involved," USATF said in a statement.

“Athlete health and wellness remains a top priority for the USATF, and we will work with Sha'Carri to ensure she gets the supports she needs to overcome any mental health challenges she may have now and in the future,” the statement continued.

THC is classified as a "substance of abuse" under the World Anti-Doping Code of 2021 since it is often used in society outside of sports. The sentence may be lowered to one month if an athlete who tests positive for such a substance can establish that it occurred outside of competition, was unrelated to sport performance, and accepts to participate in a drug treatment programme.

Whistleblowers! They aren't here to deliver us another another brave Guardian exposé. They've arrived in preparation for the 2021 Euros, popularly known as "Euro 2020." The first of a slew of exciting summer athletic championships, kicking off a highly anticipated season of strong international competition.

 

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