Richardson glad her ban brought attention to sprinting

Aug 20 (Reuters) – American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, who will return to motion this weekend after a month-long ban, mentioned on Friday that whereas her optimistic hashish take a look at saved her from competing on the Tokyo Olympics she is glad it purchased consideration to her sport.

The flamboyant American sprinter was anticipated to be one of many largest attracts in Tokyo however her goals had been reduce quick on account of a optimistic take a look at on the U.S. Olympic trials in June after she had streaked to victory within the 100m.

Richardson’s ban dominated the storylines forward of the Tokyo Olympics and whereas it value her a probably career-defining second she mentioned some good got here because of this.

“I am glad for … the eye I used to be capable of convey to the game, whether or not it was adverse or optimistic, for the straightforward reality that folks are actually watching,” Richardson mentioned on the Diamond League occasion in Portland, Oregon.

“I do know plenty of monitor and subject athletes want we had extra consideration within the sport, we want individuals paid extra consideration.”

Richardson will get an opportunity to show her mettle on Saturday given she can be a part of a race that features all three Tokyo 100m medallists — Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Shericka Jackson — over the identical distance.

The 21-year-old American mentioned regardless of her lack of latest competitors she is able to line up towards six of the eight girls who raced within the 100m remaining in Tokyo.

“It is coaching, it has been going nicely whatever the scenario, I’ve no complaints,” mentioned Richardson. “My expertise has not went wherever, so simply able to get again on the monitor.”

Richardson received the U.S. trials in June with a time of 10.86 seconds and was aiming to change into the primary American girl to win the Olympic 100m crown since Gail Devers in 1996. Marion Jones received in 2000 however was later stripped of her title for doping.

After information of her optimistic take a look at surfaced, Richardson mentioned she used marijuana as a coping mechanism after studying in regards to the demise of her organic mom.

Throughout a press convention the place she sat alongside the trio of Jamaicans who swept the 100m podium in Tokyo, Richardson, who swapped her orange hair for platinum blonde this week, mentioned she sit up for the problem.

“Two of the ladies sitting listed here are two of the quickest girls to ever do that sport so I’m honoured to simply to be on the stage with them however I’m not starstruck,” Richardson mentioned in reference to Thompson-Herah and Fraser-Pryce.

“I’m wanting to run towards them and produce the most effective out of them and I hope they’ll get the most effective out of me.”

Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto
Modifying by Christian Radnedge and Pritha Sarkar

Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.