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US President Joe Biden Responds To Sha'Carri Richardson's Olympics Ban

US President Joe Biden Responds To Sha'Carri Richardson's Olympics Ban

Richardson was suspended from the Tokyo Games following a positive marijuana sample.

Max Sherry

Max Sherry

Joe Biden has had his say on Sha'Carri Richardson's recent ban from the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Team USA will be travelling to Japan without their fastest female sprinter after Richardson tested positive for a prohibited substance following her stellar performance at the Olympic Trials.

It was later revealed that the drug was marijuana, which saw Richardson was slapped with a hefty suspension that will see her miss the Games.

Her ban has sparked the age-old debate as to whether marijuana is actually a performance enhancing drug, with the likes of Drake and Seth Rogan among others arguing against the World Anti-Doping Agency's decision.

Now US President Biden has chimed in - although his response probably won't please any pro-marijuana individuals in support of Richardson.

When asked by local media whether he thought her ban was fair, Biden replied: "The rules are the rules."

"Everyone knew what the rules were going in (to the US Olympic Trials). Whether they should remain the rules is a different issue."

That said, Biden did say he respected the 21-year-old's mature response to such devastating news.

"I was really proud of the way she responded," he added.

After news broke of her positive drug test and subsequent suspension, Richardson took to social media to share her side of the story.

Richardson tweeted: "I am human. 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. I'm sorry, I can't be y'all Olympic Champ this year but I promise I'll be your World Champ next year."


It's understood Richardson had smoked marijuana after learning that her biological mother had died suddenly.

And in all due respect to her, she appeared to have no issue in holding her hands up and admitting her mistake, although Richardson did question the rules surrounding marijuana use that continues to be a topic of debate within sport.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: olympics, Tokyo Olympics, Australia