AOC criticizes IOC for suspending Sha’Carri Richardson over marijuana testing

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Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) called on the International Olympic Committee to “reconsider” its anti-doping policy Friday after US sprinter Shari Richardson was suspended for recently testing positive for a chemical found in marijuana. US Olympic Trials Month.

“The criminalization and ban of cannabis is a tool of racist and colonial politics,” the socialist legislator wrote on Twitter. “The IOC should reconsider its comment on Ms. Richardson and any athlete sanctioned for cannabis use.”

Richardson, who won the 100 meters in 10.86 seconds in trials in Eugene, Oregon, June 19, was banned for one month after the test result.

The suspension continues until July 27, which will knock Richardson out of the race to be crowned the fastest woman in the world, although she is still able to run in the 4x100m relay at the Tokyo Olympics this summer.

The 21-year-old sprinter has received widespread support from fellow athletes, politicians and ordinary Americans after she admitted to making a comment on NBC’s “Today” program and explained that she smoked marijuana as a way to deal with her mother’s recent death.

The criminalization and prohibition of cannabis is a tool of racist and colonial politics.

The IOC should reconsider its comment on Ms. Richardson and any athletes sanctioned for cannabis use. This ruling, with the International Olympic Committee banning the wearing of swimming caps for natural hair, is deeply troubling. https://t.co/Ao1Yu8Ax9G

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) July 2, 2021

After the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) relaxed the threshold for what constitutes a positive marijuana test from 15 nanograms per milliliter to 150 nanograms per milliliter in an effort to detect use during competition rather than on days and weeks in advance.

However, marijuana remains on WADA’s list of banned substances, with THC – the chemical tested by Richardson – classified as a substance called a “substance of abuse” alongside cocaine, ecstasy and heroin due to its use in society outside a competitive context.

Richardson’s three-month sentence was reduced to one month because she participated in a counseling program.

Shakari Richardson won her 100m trial in June PATRICK SMITH/Getty Images

Travis T Tygart, chief executive of the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), said that while anti-doping rules are clear, Richardson’s comment was “heartbreaking on many levels”.

Ocasio-Cortez also criticized the IOC over the FINA decision not to allow swimming caps specifically designed to protect the hair of black competitors at the Games, which the lawmaker called “extremely concerning”.

British brand Soul Cap’s application for its products that have been recognized by FINA was rejected because the caps, which are intended to cover thick, curly and voluminous hair, do not follow “the natural shape of the head,” according to the governing body.

Sha’Carri Richardson’s commentary continues through July 27, Patrick Smith/Getty Images

The Swiss-based association said Friday that it was reviewing the situation with Soul Cap and similar products with “understanding the importance of inclusivity and representation.”

with wire

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