Banned for smoking weed, Sha’Carri Richardson is now the fastest woman ever
American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson, who faced disappointment in the Tokyo Olympics due to a positive marijuana test, made an extraordinary comeback by securing a record-breaking 100-meter world title at the 2023 World Athletics Championships.
The 23-year-old’s fantastic feat was achieved by sprinting the track in an impressive 10.65 seconds, a personal best, during the championship held at the National Athletics Centre, making her the fastest woman alive and asserting herself as a strong contender for a medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Shacarri Richardson is now the fastest woman in the world !🔥#Budapest23 #shacarririchardson #sherickajackson #shellyannfrayserpryce #100mworldchampion pic.twitter.com/BHumh1OyCy
— Lala (@Lalaavuitton) August 21, 2023
Having defeated the dominant Jamaican sprinters Shericka Jackson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce - who finished second and third respectively - Richardson's performance was a stunning upset, especially given that she had barely qualified for the final, initially making it as one of the fastest losers. However, in the final, she executed flawlessly, using her speed to surpass her competitors.
#ShaCarriRichardson congratulations 🥇 pic.twitter.com/eTtGn67D1I
— taiji 💜 (@___taiji) August 21, 2023
Richardson's win marked an end to the American drought in the women's 100-meter world championship since 2017. Despite challenges she faced, including a slow start and veering off course during her semifinal heat, her perseverance and ability to close the race strongly, led her to secure her spot in the final.
An elated Sha'Carri Richardson celebrates after her 100m World Championship win. 💨 🎥👇#Budapest2023 #Budapest23#ShaCarriRichardson #TrackAndField pic.twitter.com/hytXMjCyIF
— HunnedPoints (@HunnedPoints) August 21, 2023
Reflecting on her achievement, Richardson humbly expressed her gratitude for the competition that pushed her to perform at her best. She vowed to continue improving and not rest on the laurels of her world title.
I love this. I love being a black woman. #ShaCarriRichardson pic.twitter.com/3WXvHHSkBr
— Dr. Magen (@theechiro) August 22, 2023
Her suspension from the Tokyo Olympics last year due to testing positive for THC, was a setback that Richardson accepted with accountability. She shared that her use of the drug was a coping mechanism following her mother's sudden passing.
ShaCarri Richardson is out of 100m sprint for Tokyo Olympics due to positive cannabis test. Richardson explained that she used marijuana because she was coping with the loss of her mother. Change the rule and let ShaCarri Richardson.#LetShaCarriRichardsonRun#ToykoOlympics pic.twitter.com/q6QtNLU3EO
— Sports Crunch™ (@SportsCrunch_US) July 3, 2021
Testing athletes for THC - the psychoactive component of cannabis - has been a contentious issue in the world of sports. The case of Sha'Carri Richardson is a testament to the argument that cannabis use should not be considered a performance-enhancing substance and that such testing is regressive in nature.
And why was she even able to make it to the Olympics? You have Shacarri Richardson who smoked weed and couldn’t even make it. Weed! And she tested for this. https://t.co/j6o5oZRRvi
— Ashley Morrall (@ohheyyyashleyyy) February 10, 2022
Her suspension from the Tokyo Olympics ignited a conversation about the fairness and relevance of such testing.
- Critics have argued that THC testing fails to accurately measure an athlete's performance-enhancing capabilities and unfairly targets individuals for using a substance that has been increasingly decriminalized and even legalized in many parts of the world.
Is this the same Committee who had a problem with Sha'Carri Richardson smoking a little marijuana. That Committee?#ShaCarriRichardson #ShaCarri #MichaelAndrew #Olympics #Olympics2021 #Olympics2020 #TokyoOlympics #Tokyo2020 #Tokyo #USOPC pic.twitter.com/4T09Aad66t
— Bernie's Cozy Mittens🧤 😷 👠💄 (@mmtexas) July 30, 2021
Richardson's subsequent victory in the 100-meter world title following her suspension further underscores the point that cannabis use does not necessarily hinder an athlete's performance.
Her record-breaking sprint stands as evidence that THC consumption did not impede her ability to compete at the highest level. This case raises questions about the appropriateness of penalizing athletes for cannabis use, especially when its impact on their performance is questionable.
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Advocates for reevaluating THC testing in sports argue that such testing perpetuates outdated stigmas around cannabis use and unfairly targets athletes who may use the substance for reasons unrelated to enhancing their performance.
- They emphasize that performance-enhancing substances should be clearly identified and regulated, and that cannabis does not belong in the same category.
- Incorporating a more nuanced approach to substance testing in sports could involve focusing on substances that genuinely provide an unfair advantage, rather than substances like cannabis that have complex effects on individuals and are increasingly being recognized for their medical and therapeutic benefits.
- This would not only ensure fairness but also foster a more progressive and inclusive environment for athletes of all backgrounds.
Richardson's record-breaking sprint and her triumph as the world's fastest woman is a testament to her exceptional resilience, determination, and growth. Her journey from a setback to a resounding comeback serves as an inspiration to athletes and individuals alike, highlighting the power of determination and the importance of understanding the person behind the athlete.