![]() ![]() ![]() Richardson, for example, has said she used marijuana (a depressant) for relief from what she described as “emotional panic” following the news of her biological mother’s death only days before the race. And once they finally have a spot, their achievements are denied and their work is undermined, punished, and disqualified for reasons that are profoundly unfair. The double standard is glaring: Black women are required to alter their bodies and practices, inside and out, simply to step onto the playing field. ![]() Meanwhile, athletes like Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi - whose bodies naturally produce testosterone at a higher level than the average woman - are shamed and ultimately disqualified from competing at all. Phelps has been praised as a marvel for these genetic mutations, which enhance his ability to excel in his sport. Take Michael Phelps’ “unique genetic blessings,” including unusually long arms, double-jointed ankles, and a body that produces half the lactic acid of the average athlete. The very differences that are overlooked, and even celebrated for other athletes, are weaponized against Black women. And when hammer thrower Gwen Berry practiced her right to peacefully protest racial injustice at the track and field trials, some lawmakers called for her to be removed from the Olympic team altogether. Shortly after the swimming cap ban, two Namibian runners were disqualified from the Olympics for their natural testosterone levels - reinforcing the harsh reality that the policing of who counts as a “woman” has always been deeply racialized. Just this year, the International Federation that governs swimming (FINA) banned swimming caps designed for natural Black hair because the caps did not “fit the natural form of the head.” The decision was telling because of whose hair - and heads - were excluded from FINA’s definition of “natural.” FINA decided to reassess the ban only after its initial decision was met with backlash. Time and time again, the select obstacles reserved for Black women athletes are harsh reminders of the hurdles Black women have to continuously clear - on and off the field. Her story became an all too familiar symbol of the barriers that Black women have to endure in every sector of life, including elite sports. “I just want the world to know that I’m THAT girl,” she exclaimed to the world, as fans and onlookers fixated on her poise, ambition, and, yes, bright orange hair.īut only a few days later, the world received very different news: Richardson was suspended for a month over a positive marijuana test, which ultimately resulted in her complete exclusion from the Olympic Games. In an instant, the 21-year-old became an overnight sensation as she set her sights on representing the nation in Tokyo. In just 10.86 seconds, Sha’Carri Richardson made history when she crossed the finish line for the Women’s 100-meter dash at the U.S. ![]()
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