We are now sure that includes Sha’Carri Richardson, the 5’1” Texan sprinter who won the 100-meter United States Olympic Trials in Oregon earlier this month. Later she was disqualified. Did she “jump-the-gun”? Did she interfere with her competitor in the next lane?
Nope! This 21-year-old LSU freshman ran that 100-meters in 10.86 and is one of the 10-fastest women in the world. She says she is “only human.” Ha! it must be added that with that speed, she is more super-human. She said her role model was Florence Griffith Joyner, a former UCLA Bruin who died from suffocation in her sleep due to an epileptic seizure some 3 years ago. Flo-Jo is the current 100-meter world record holder at 10.49- just about one-half second faster than Richardson’s mark in Oregon.
Sha’Carri’s disqualification was the result of her use of marijuana prior to that race at the Olympic trials. The US Olympic Track and Field Committee, while under some scrutiny for its position on the use of marijuana, made it clear to all Olympic trials’ athletes that pot is against the rules. Richardson’s test following her outstanding achievement discovered the use of that banned substance.
Richardson is to be congratulated for her sportsmanlike response to such a personally devastating defeat. From all that has been printed/noted, she accepted the Olympic committee’s decision with the heart of a champion! Since she was aware of the ruling, why would she knowingly violate it? The short answer is that she was informed (prior to that race) that her biological mother had recently died. It had a huge emotional impact on her.
If you saw that race, you noticed when Sha’Carri crossed the finish line with her orange hair flowing behind her, she immediately climbed into the stand to give a hug and big thanks to her grandmother, who raised her and gave her such positive reinforcements that encouraged her toward success. Yes, she will be a fan who watches on TV, while her teammates carry on with her only in their hearts and minds.
The question many are asking is: Did that use of marijuana help her physically to achieve that 10.86 Olympic Trials victory? While it was a banned substance, experts report it did not provide her with any physical assistance. For Sha’Carri its use was for her emotional stability.
Will you offer your thoughts: Should Sha’Carri have been allowed on this 2020 US Olympic T*E*A*M?
