Sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson believes there is a double standard in Kamila Valieva drug test case

Richardson was barred from competing in the Summer Olympics due to a positive test for cannabis

American  sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson is questioning why Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva can continue to participate in the Beijing Olympics despite a positive drug test. This comes months after Richardson was forced to miss the Tokyo Olympics as a result of a positive test for cannabis.

Richardson was slated to participate in multiple events at the Summer Games in Tokyo after she won the 100 meters at the United States Olympic trials. However, she was handed a one-month suspension after testing positive for cannabis, which she stated was the result of dealing with the death of her mother before the Tokyo Olympics.

"Can we get a solid answer on the difference of (Valieva's) situation and mines?" Richardson tweeted on Monday. "My mother died and I can't run and was also favored to place top 3. The only difference I see is I'm a black young lady."

Richardson also pointed out that Valieva's positive test came out while the Beijing Olympics were going on even though she was tested in December. In addition, Richardson also mentioned that cannabis isn't a performance-enhancing drug.

"Failed in December and the world just now know however my resulted was posted within a week and my name & talent was slaughtered to the people," Richardson added.

"Not one BLACK athlete has been about to compete with a case going on, I don't care what they say!!!"

On Monday, Valieva was cleared to continue competing in the women's figure skating competition at the Winter Olympics. However, regardless of how she finishes in each event, Valieva nor any of her teammates will have a medal ceremony, even though they would be recognized as the winners of the event. Valieva and the Russian Olympic Committee team have already won gold in the team figure skating event in Beijing.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport cleared Valieva to continue taking part in the Beijing Olympics after a hearing took place. Judges ruled that Valieva, who is 15 years old, isn't going to be suspended for the positive test.

Valieva tested positive for the drug trimetzidine, which is typically used to treat people with a heart condition, on Dec. 25 at the Russian nationals. However, the Swedish lab that conducted the test didn't release the results until last week.