When track and field star Shelby Houlihan broke the American 1500-metre record in 2019, she showed that her possibilities in the sport were limitless. However, she failed a test in 2020 when she was found in possession of the illegal drug nandrolone and was banned for four years for the major violation.
Although Houlihan said that a contaminated pork burrito was the reason she tested positive, her suspension remained in force. She could not compete in the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics and was also forced to miss the 2024 Paris Olympics. Now that her suspension is about to end, the athlete worries about what comes next.
Runners World revealed: “Her ban lifts on January 13, 2025, at 11:59 p.m… The terms of the suspension say that she is permitted to start working out with other runners two months before the racing ban ends.”
Preparing for her comeback
There are obstacles in the way of the 31-year-old’s comeback to the sport. Prior to her return, the Beer Mile world record holder appointed Paul Doyle as her agent. It is Doyle’s job to find Houlihan a training group and, more crucially, find sponsors. However, finding sponsors following a suspension could be difficult.
Despite all the allegations, Houlihan continued to defend herself. She stated: “This does not reflect who I am in any capacity, yet people feel like they have the right to speak on who I am and my character when they’ve never even had a conversation with me. I feel like my character has to count for something so it’s frustrating that it doesn’t feel like it does.”
Her coach, Jerry Schmaucher, added: “She just might be the best 1500m runner in the world this year, but we will never get the opportunity to find out. And that’s a tragedy.”
Houlihan admitted: “I want to go after as many records as I can.” She is open to competing in various events, from marathons to indoor races, to know her capabilities on the competitive track after being inactive for half a decade.
Source: EssentiallySports