Sha’Carri Richardson’s life changed when she was suspended for testing positive for the forbidden narcotic cannabis. For a brief period, the 24-year-old believed she would never make a strong comeback.
Richardson defended herself, stating that she had taken marijuana after learning of the death of her biological mother, with whom she had never had a good relationship. Her one-month punishment prevented her from competing in the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
Richardson became a hot topic for weeks, and she will never forget it. It felt like the universe had turned against her, and she had no idea why. However, on her comeback journey, she realized she needed to accept her shortcomings and work with herself, knowing deep down that she doesn’t have to be on good terms with everyone.
In a previous interview, Sha’Carri Richardson reflected on her experience with the ban and how she eventually accepted what had happened and focused on the future. One thing stuck out: she was aware of her strengths and was confident in what she could accomplish when she returned, hence the expression, ‘I’m not back, I’m better.’
“When I say I have peace without making peace, I mean I am at peace in this industry. I had a difficult time in track and field, and I experienced a lot. “A lot of you (journalists) recorded it, reported it, covered it, and talked about it, and I had to deal with it,” Sha’Carri Richardson said.
“I had to live with more than simply what you worked on…I had to live with my truth and stick to it because, at the end of the day, no one in track and field can discredit me.”
The reigning world 100m champion talked up about the harsh realities of the track and field industry and how she had to learn to live. Richardson was already creating waves at 19 years old, but she needed to develop thick skin.
Over the years, she has learned to stick with individuals that select her and are willing to work with her, emphasizing the importance of having a supportive family, with her grandma serving as her biggest cheerleader.
“It’s just the fact of I had to learn myself and understand the industry that I was thrown into and became basically almost one of the best at the age of 19,” she told me.
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