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.

“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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.