Sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson was not able to make it to Tokyo Olympics, so her return to the track did not go according to plan. However, she said that she is still "not done."
Richardson was last out of nine runners in 100 meters. She also withdrew from 200 meters at Saturday's Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon. Her time of 11.14 seconds in 100 meters was much slower than Elaine Thompson-Herah from Jamaica, who ran 10.54 seconds to be the second fastest woman's time in all history.
Jamaica's Elaine Thompson Herah (left) ran the 100-meter race in record time, while Sha'Carri Richardson (center) finished last at the Prefontaine classic final. AP Photo/Thomas Boyd
Richardson, 21, was banned for 30 days after she tested positive for a substance found in marijuana. This occurred after Richardson's victory in the 100-meter finals of the Olympic trials. USA Track & Field removed her from the Tokyo Games roster.
Richardson stated that Saturday's race was a "great return to the sport." "I wanted to be in a position to perform after a month off. ... Not upset at myself at all. This is only one race. I am not finished. You're aware of my capabilities.
"Count me out, if you wish to. You can talk all you like, but I'm here to stay. I'm still here. I am the sixth fastest woman ever to play this game. I can't imagine anyone ever taking that from me. All the best to the winners. We are still seeing them. Period.
Richardson explained that she used the drug because of the stress from the death of her biological mother and the pressure to prepare for the Olympic trials.
Richardson was supposed to run in the 200-meter final, but he decided to withdraw before the 100 meters. Mujinga Kambundji from Switzerland won the 200.
Thompson-Herah was second to Florence Griffith-Joyner, who set a record of 10.49 seconds in 1988.
Shelly-Ann Fraser -Pryce finished second and Shericka Jackson third in a repeat of the Tokyo Games medal stand.
