‘I Am Human’- Sha’Carri Richardson Reacts to Simone Biles’ Withdrawal From Tokyo Olympics 2020

Simone Biles shocked the world as she decided to withdraw from the Artistic Gymnastics team finals at the Tokyo Olympics. The American, highly favoured for an all-gold sweep, sat out and watched as her team won the silver medal, losing out to a near-flawless performance from the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC). 

While many suspected injuries, Biles later revealed it was for mental health concerns. She may have found the pressure too overbearing and hence decided that it was best for the team that she stepped aside rather than costing them the medal. 

FILE PHOTO: Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Gymnastics Artistic Training – Ariake Gymnastics Centre, Tokyo, Japan – July 22, 2021 Simone Biles of the United States during training REUTERS/File Photo

Most of the fanbase has stepped out and shown its support to Simone Biles. Mental health, a strong yet unspoken issue amongst athletes, was brought to light. “Athletes are Human Beings first” was trending on social media, which bluntly led many to recall an earlier incident. 

Sha’Carri Richardson pointed out her similarity with Simone Biles

Sha’Carri Richardson was suspended ahead of the Tokyo Olympics this year due to the consumption of marijuana. She tested positive for the same after the Olympic trials held in Eugene, Oregon. The athlete cited mental health reasons and even revealed that she had lost her biological mother shortly before the trials. The marijuana, according to Richardson, was used to reduce her anxiety and cope with the pain.

EUGENE, OREGON – JUNE 19: Sha’Carri Richardson looks on after winning the Women’s 100 Meter final on day 2 of the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials at Hayward Field on June 19, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Furthermore, she claims to have used it two weeks before the trials, but the mere presence of it in her body was grounds for disqualification. Sha’Carri Richardson took to Twitter to remind fans of this fact. “I’ll say it again, I am human,” she reiterated, responding to the significant media attention the Biles scenario is gaining. 

I’ll say it again, I am human https://t.co/uSAllwLo4a

— Sha’Carri Richardson (@itskerrii) July 28, 2021

Mental health remains a gaping issue in sports today

The Richardson controversy certainly did put the spotlight on Marijuana’s position in the world of athletes. The USADA is trying to convince the World Anti Doping Agency to relax its policy on such drugs that are considered anxiety-relieving by many. 

EUGENE, OREGON – JUNE 19: Sha’Carri Richardson celebrates winning the Women’s 100 Meter final on day 2 of the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials at Hayward Field on June 19, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

However, Sha’Carri Richardson did come under fire for breaking a known law, for which she accepted full responsibility. Biles, on the other hand, was praised for realising their dangers and averting any further damage to herself. 

Only time will tell if she does decide to continue in the individual events or not. The Tokyo dream has turned into a nightmare for Simone Biles and a creeping issue in sports has once again made it to the spotlight. 

Read more: “It Broke My Heart”- Michael Phelps Reflects on Simone Biles’ Upsetting Tokyo Olympics 2020 Fallout

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