According to the Jamaica Gleaner, the 21-year-old sprinter failed a drug test for a banned substance during the US Olympic Trials last month, when she was eventually selected for Team USA.

Richardson’s reported infraction might result in a one- to three-month penalty, excluding her from the impending Tokyo Olympics, according to the publication.

According to a source, Richardson tested positive for marijuana, not steroids, as reported by Enquirer sports reporter Tyler Dragon. The athlete is facing a 30-day penalty, according to the source, which means she might still participate in the Olympic 4×100 relay.

Richardson was scheduled to compete in the 200m in the Stockholm Diamond League on Sunday, but was absent, according to Reuters. Richardson’s representatives have not given an explanation for her absence from the event this weekend, but a cryptic tweet has fanned rumors that it was due to her alleged substance abuse.

This is a terrible outcome, but it is essential to highlight that Richardson has faced adversities in the past, including doping concerns stemming from her previous coach’s involvement in a doping scandal. The athlete also fought a human desire to remain unmotivated to compete at last month’s Olympic Trials due to the death of her biological mother, but she went on to win the 100m sprint in 10.64 seconds after an incredible performance.

Richardson told ESPN during the trials: “My family has kept me grounded. This year has been crazy for me. Going from just last week, losing my biological mother, and I’m still here … Last week, finding out my biological mother passed away and still choosing to pursue my dreams, still coming out here, still here to make the family that I do still have on this earth proud. And the fact [is] nobody knows what I go through. Everybody has struggles and I understand that, but y’all see me on this track and y’all see the poker face I put on, but nobody but them and my coach know what I go through on a day-to-day basis.”

Mingle
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