Sha’Carri Richardson joined the Today Show Friday morning to discuss the positive drug test that has placed her Olympic participation in jeopardy.
Richardson, 21, will miss the Olympic Games after her US Olympic Trials performance was disqualified because she tested positive for a chemical found in marijuana.
Speaking exclusively to USA TODAY, Richardson cites the pressure of athletic competition, her biological mother’s recent death and more, but says, “I know what I did, I know what I’m allowed to do … and I still made that decision.” Regarding the chance that she could still participate in a relay event, she says, “If I’m allowed to receive that blessing, then I’m grateful for it, but right now, I’m going to just focus on myself.” She says: “I’d like to say to my fans and my family and my sponsorship … I apologize,” adding, “Don’t judge me: I’m human. I just happen to run a little faster.” She adds: “I still have games in me … I’ll be back and ready to compete.”
