Axios What's Next, our new weekday newsletter will be your guide to the waves of change in how we work, play and get around. This Axios AM Deep Dive gives you a taste of what we have in store...
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Axios What's Next, our new weekday newsletter will be your guide to the waves of change in how we work, play and get around. This Axios AM Deep Dive gives you a taste of what we have in store...
America's best shot for Olympic gold in the women's 100 meters won't be competing, after testing positive for marijuana.
Driving the news: U.S. favorite sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson has been suspended after testing positive for marijuana that she said she used to cope with her biological mother's death, which had put her in "a state of emotional panic."
The big picture: Several athletes have spoken out about their mental health struggles, including names such as Olympic gold winner Michael Phelps — who was suspended in 2009 for being pictured smoking from a bong — and tennis star Naomi Osaka. Many are addressing the fact that leagues lack any sort of accommodations for mental health.
What she's saying: "We all have our different struggles, we all have our different things we deal with, but to put on a face and have to go out in front of the world and put on a face and hide my pain," Richardson said.
Nike released a statement following the reports of Richardson's failed drug test, saying that she would remain as part of the company: "We appreciate Sha'Carri’s honesty and accountability and will continue to support her through this time."
Between the lines: Richardson took the drug in Oregon, where the substance is legal. However, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is required to adopt the policies from the World Anti-Doping Agency, which has it listed as prohibited to use in competition.
What's next: While Richardson won't be allowed to participate in the 100-meter race, she could still run the 4x100-meter relay if selected for Team USA, ESPN reports.