Unfounded allegations of doping/steroid abuse were made by an Australian reporter against Sha'Carri Richardson, a U.S. sprinter, and the late Flojo... all because they used acrylic nail polish.Claire Lehmann, Quillette founder and contributor to The Australian, stirred the pot late on Friday with a few controversial Tweets. The first was directed at Richardson. She suggested Richardson was using PEDs due to what she saw as "strong nails and hair".People in track know who is on the roids and who isn't. They don't have to ping her, but that doesn't mean they don't know. Claire Lehmann (@clairlemon), July 2, 2021 @clairlemonShe wrote that she was unsure if the nails were real or fake. However, it is possible to have very strong nails and hair as a side effect from steroid use. Lehmann also attached Richardson's photo. Richardson was recently suspended from competition for a month following a positive THC testing.People quickly pointed out that Richardson wears wigs and her nails were fake. Lehmann's speculations were completely unfounded and, frankly, downright ignorant.Flo Jo was a known drug user and had the nails. She was 38 years old when she died from drug overuse. That's why it is banned in elite sports. pic.twitter.com/H0XqT6ozh9 Claire Lehmann, @clairlemon July 2, 2021But she wasn't finished yet -- Lehmann continued her meritless attacks on the journo, but this time she pursued Florence Griffith Joyner, the Olympic legend. Lehmann also claimed that Flo Jo was doping during her historic 1980s record-breaking run. Again, she cited the acrylic nail factor, which was once again a source of error. CL then went one step further and claimed that Flo Jo died from drug abuse, despite all the facts.Lehmann wrote that "Flo Jo, an obvious drug user, had nails." "Flo Jo, a long-term drug user, died in her sleep at 38 years old. That's because of the damage that a lifetime of drug abuse can do to the body. This is why it should be banned from elite sport.Several people pointed out that Flo Jo's death was actually caused by an epileptic seizure. This autopsy, which was done in 1998, proved that she had a congenital brain abnormality that led to her being prone to seizures.Important to remember that Flo Jo has never been tested positive for drugs.Despite all the facts being in her face, Lehmann hasn’t taken down the tweets. She is currently feeling the wrath from Twitter with multiple users accusing Lehmann of racism... and defamation for Richardson and Flo Jo. Cardi B even participated.
