The man behind the recent Athlos women’s-only track event, Alexis Ohanian, has expressed his appreciation for Sha’Carri Richardson and how their stories are similar.
After winning the gold medal at the 2023 World Championships, Richardson is currently regarded as one of the best sprinters in the world, but her road to the top wasn’t without difficulties.
She qualified for the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics by winning the trials, but she was denied entry after a drug test proved she had used cannabis. Following her one-month suspension, she explained that she utilized it to cope with the pressure of qualifying for the Olympics while mourning the death of her mother.
Since then, she has recovered to become one of track and field’s biggest stars by winning gold at the Worlds, silver at the Olympics in the 100-meter event, and gold in the 4×1-00-meter relay.
According to Essentially Sports, Ohanian remarked, “I watch some Sha’Carri clips, and I’m like, wow, okay, like I can’t not pay attention to her.”
“She has a big personality, amazing energy, and she’s great on the track.”
The Reddit founder then weighed in on Richards’ doping ban which he termed “unfair,” drawing parallels with his own situation.
“I thought, well, that’s kind of messed up,” Ohanian, who is the husband to tennis legend Serena Williams said of Richardson’s ban.
“I lost my mom when I was just starting out. Reddit, um, I definitely self-medicated quite a bit, using the Mary Jane [Cannabis].
“I realize that’s not a drug meant to enhance performance,” I understand the significance of drug testing. However, you can sort of choose the medicine, and that particular one doesn’t seem to be all that significant.
Ohanian has demonstrated his commitment to female athletics by organizing the highly successful Athlos meet, where the winners received $60,000. Ohanian has been outspoken in his advocacy for female athletes to have recognition and equitable compensation.
Richardson, though, was one of the big names who was left out and will be looking forward to participating in the subsequent edition.
