American track and field star Sha’Carri Richardson has seemingly come to terms with the outcome of her Tokyo Olympics disappointment.
“I’m fine. I understand the situation that’s going on. So, I’m accepting of it, and I just know what I have to do moving forward in my career,” she told TMZ Wednesday, while at LAX Airport.
The sighting came one day after The Post obtained exclusive photos of Richardson in her first outing since news broke that she will not compete in the Summer Games.
Richardson’s positive drug test for marijuana at the Olympics Trials in Oregon last month led to a 30-day ban by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and USA Track and Field, forcing the top gold medal contender to miss running her signature 100-meter individual race.
Richardson, whose ban will be lifted on July 27, still had a chance to punch a ticket to Tokyo to compete in the 4×100 relays, which begin on Aug. 5. But her Olympic dreams were officially halted when she was left off the Olympic roster released by USA Track and Field Tuesday.
Richardson was asked by TMZ how she felt about the news that she wouldn’t be able to compete in relays.
“Honestly, that news didn’t bother me because me and my team are realistic, so we kind of figured that they would say that in the first place. And plus, if my talent is good enough for me to run on a relay, then why isn’t it good enough for me to run in my open?,” she questioned, adding, “I’ll just leave it at that.”
When asked if she’ll be watching the 100-meter, Richardson said she’d be watching “some races.”
Although she has admittedly accepted the outcome of her positive drug test, celebrities, pro athletes and fans have not. Supporters of Richardson have since started a petition in her favor, and continue to argue against her Olympic suspension on social media.
Following her failed drug test, Richardson took responsibility for using marijuana in a “Today” show interview last Friday, and explained that she used the substance to cope with the recent death of her mother.