The world Olympics got underway and one of the most coveted wins is in Women’s Track and Field. Jamaica stacked the deck in the 100 meters with three talented runners, Elaine Thompson Herahs (gold medal), Shelly Ann Frazier Pryce (silver medal), and Shericka Jackson (bronze medal).
Previously, one of the U.S. hopefuls that would have had a good shot at medaling and possibly winning the gold medal was Sha’ Carri Richarson. She was disqualified after winning the race that would have sent her to the Olympics to compete in the Women’s 100m and the 200m. Because she tested positive for marijuana, she was suspended from the Olympics for 30 days and she missed the race, along with the possible loss of millions of dollars in endorsements.
After Jamaica won the medals in the Women’s Track and Field, I spoke with SQ resident T. Varner, 43, who is a true fan of Olympic Track and Field. I asked for his thoughts on the situation with Sha’ Carri Richardson and whether or not the U.S. would have had a better chance at winning a medal if she was there to compete.
TH: So, T, being the fan that you are of track and field and the Olympics, I’m sure that you have something to say about the race Americans lost to the Jamaicans in the women’s track and field?
TV: Yes. Although I like seeing all the countries have a shot at winning in the matches, I think that Jamaica always has the fastest runners in the Olympics. Usain Bolt, Shelly Ann Frazier Pryce, and Elaine Thompson-Herahs.
TH: Yeah, that’s true. We had a good chance if Sha’ Carri Richardson would have been in it to run this year, though. How do you feel about her situation? I think it was a poor choice.
TV: I agree. Not only did she make a poor choice, I think that she was failed by her management. Somebody should have been in her corner guiding her not to do that. However, the Olympic committee could let that one slide, I think.
TH: Why?
TV: Because the state she smoked the weed in was legal to do so there. And she got on TV in front of the whole world and apologized for doing it. The committee should change its rules on how it deals with women. She’s not the first woman to be banned for some type of drug use.
TH: Who was the other one?
TV: Brianna McNeal was suspended for five years for just missing her drug test after she had an abortion. She even had a note from her doctor saying she just had the procedure.
TH: That’s something to look at, but rules are rules right? We know that those who make the rules are the ones who are always right. Even when they are wrong.
TV: Yeah, it’s a trip. I just think that since she was accountable for her mistake, she should have been given a second chance.
TH: Second chances are necessary. But once again it’s bias — how those who can enforce the laws can also break the laws without impunity. But, hey, there are consequences for our actions.
TV: Yep, apparently so. I hope she can bounce back stronger, though. Because I know America wishes she was able to race despite the situation.
TH: Yep, she was seen on a local news broadcast during the Olympics, clapping back at America and asking, “Y’all missing me, yet?”
TV: She is a feisty little thing. (Laughs)
