Was Pulling Sha'Carri Richardson from U.S. Olympics a Good Call?

 

The U.S. Olympic Committee made the decision to pull Sha'Carri Richardson from the Olympics this year after testing positive for Marijuana. After the death of her mother and stress of competing Richardson said she turned to using the drug. The decision made was difficult and heartbreaking for many however, sports have always had a reputation for being a drug-free environment. The Olympics is no exception to this, athletes are aware of their impact and what is expected of them. Richardson was devastated by the news, however, understands the final decision and that they did what had to be done. 

            Teammates, opponents, Olympic viewers and more have stated their opinions on this most have not necessarily supported the decision but are more understanding that it was the right choice. A lot of viewers have argued that marijuana is not a drug that would impact Richardson’s performance in the Olympics. Richardson herself talked about how different the circumstance is from a competitor testing positive for steroids. Often times when athletes are removed from competing it is because they test positive for steroids, a performance enhancing drug, which would have an impact on their performance. Most would argue that because a past use of Marijuana would not have any impact on Sha’Carri Richardson’s overall performance that she should still compete. But the U.S. Olympic Committee argues that their athletes should not test positive for any drugs regardless of the type. The U.S. Olympic Committee has a reputation to uphold and even though their decision might have been disliked by many it was a decision that had to be made. Sha’Carri Richardson has kept a positive attitude towards the whole situation and encourages fans to not count her out as a competitor in years to come.