Famous U.S. Sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson–has reportedly tested positive for Marijuana, making it unclear whether she will still compete at the Tokyo Olympics.

According to the New York Times, Richardson could appeal the results and disqualification or how long she will be suspended, information verified by two knowledgeable people about the test.
New York Times further wrote, “It’s possible that a one-month ban for Richardson could be set to begin at the time of her positive test at the trials, allowing her to return to competition just before the Olympics, which start on July 23. Track and field at the Games do not begin until July 30.”

The U.S., unlike other countries, leaves little room for discretion over who qualifies. Richardson’s positive test came about a week before the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee needs to submit the names of its athletes competing in Tokyo.

Richardson, 21, has been making headlines after securing a spot at the Tokyo Olympics in June. She was “poised” to be the most noteworthy American sprinter of all time after Florence Griffith Joyner.

Marijuana is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of prohibited substances. Both USADA and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee are signatories to the WADA code, meaning they follow its rules.

According to USADA, marijuana is a prohibited substance because it can enhance performance, it poses a health risk to athletes, and its use violates the spirit of the sport.

Richardson’s desire to be the greatest can’t be compared to anything g in this world. During her Olympics trial, the 100 meters sprinter— shared about how her family keeps her grounded. She further shared in an emotional post-interview that her biological mother died a week before her trials, but she still came.

“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.”

Twenty-five years lately since an American sprinter won a gold medal in 100 meters at the Olympics, Sha’Carri centred herself as the “greatest” woman sprinter after Florence Griffith Joyner. But now that she is tested positive, is it an end to being the “greatest sprinter?”