Back to the Olympics Newsfeed

Joe Biden 'proud' of way Sha'Carri Richardson handled positive marijuana test, but 'rules are rules'

President Joe Biden has joined the chorus of celebrities and public figures discussing the suspension of American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson for marijuana.

Richardson emerged as a star at U.S. track and field trials last month in winning the women's 100. The 21-year-old said she ingested the marijuana (in Oregon, a state where it is legal) after learning of her biological mother's death.

Although marijuana is not a performance-enhancing drug, a positive test triggers a one-month suspension under World Anti-Doping Agency rules, which the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency follows.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki commented on the issue last week, but President Joe Biden was asked about Richard's positive test and subsequent suspension on Saturday.