Track star Sha’Carri Richardson began making buzz while running track for Louisiana State University but exploded onto everyone’s screen when she excelled in the recent U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials and drew eyes with her bright orange hair, long acrylic nails and undeniable talent. But after the 21-year-old failed a drug test and tested positive for marijuana before the summer games, she was suspended for one month and prevented from running in the U.S. 4x100m relay.
She discussed her mother’s recent passing on TODAY a couple of weeks ago and how deeply it impacted her. According to Insider, she received the devastating news from a reporter.
Related Post: UPDATE: Sha’Carri Richardson Officially Not Running at Tokyo Olympics
Since then, Richardson has received an outpour of support, both from fellow athletes and those who’ve been following her journey online. Shortly after tweeting, “I am human,” earlier this month, she followed up with a tweet thanking her supporters and community while bragging that the upcoming Olympic games won’t be the same without her.
I am human
— Sha’Carri Richardson (@itskerrii) July 1, 2021
“The support,” Richardson wrote on July 3 with two heart emojis. “My community, I thank y’all, the negative forget y’all and enjoy the games because we all know it won’t be the same.”
The support 🤎🖤my community I thank y’all , the negative forget y’all and enjoy the games because we all know it won’t be the same 😇.
— Sha’Carri Richardson (@itskerrii) July 4, 2021
It’s no doubt that Richardson’s absence will be felt by viewers during the track and field portion of this year’s Olympics, hosted in Tokyo, Japan. Following her tweet, some of Richardson’s fans entered the sprinter star’s replies to let her know that they were in her corner.
“Baby, 100 percent we are and will always be behind you,” one person wrote. “Nobody is perfect, and we will not be invalidated. they tried it this time, but we’re awake and here to fight thick and thin.”
baby 100 percent we are and will always be behind you, nobody is perfect and we will not be invalidated. they tried it this time, but we’re awake and here to fight thick and thin. ✊🏾✊🏾🏃🏾♀️💨
— soph 🇳🇬😚 (@ChinemeremSoph) July 4, 2021
You will always be a winner
— ✌🏼rosanna arquette (@RoArquette) July 7, 2021
Addressing those who’ve criticized Richardson for not adhering to the banned substances rule, another fan wrote, “The same “Rules are rules” people didn’t wear masks when “Rules are rules” when and are in place.”
The same “Rules are rules” people didn’t wear masks when “Rules are rules” when and are in place.
— Coach Jimmy Castaneda (@JimmyCa65990337) July 4, 2021
How DO THEY host a A games IF THE fastest person isn’t competing? Doesn’t sound like much of a competition anymore… shame on ppl who judge cannabis more harshly than actual performance enhancing supplements & cheaters! #LetHerRun
— Tynan Phillips (@PreacherWthAGun) July 4, 2021
It won’t be the same. Was excited to see you run. Hopefully, you’ve learned your lesson and will do better next time 🍀
— Victoria Reneau (@vic_tor_yuh) July 4, 2021
However, others used the opportunity to offer their not-so-favorable opinions about the accomplished runner.
“As a former athlete, I *never once* thought of smoking dope or even drinking alcohol because I was a f**king athlete!” one person wrote under Richardson’s tweet. “End of story. You break the rules. You pay the piper. Athletes should hold themselves to a higher standard. Until the rules change, you’ll have to deal with it.”
As a former athlete, I *never once* thought of smoking dope or even drinking alcohol because, I was a fucking athlete! End of story. You break the rules, you pay the piper. Athletes should hold themselves to a higher standard. Until the rules change, you’ll have to deal with it.
— Gregory Ould (@bbcgregory) July 4, 2021
It will be the same as always…its been great before you where born and it will remain the same…… give the internet a break
— Jamaican Guy (@JamaicanGuy8) July 4, 2021
Do you agree that the Olympics won’t be the same without Richardson competing in the relay? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
