Shelby Houlihan, an American Olympic runner who participated in the Rio 2016 Games and then faced a very debated four -year ban, was back on the podium on Saturday.
Houlihan won a silver medal at the world indoor championships at the 3,000 -meter event in Nanjing, China. She could not participate in the Tokyo Olympic Games and the Paris Olympic Games because she was tested positive for a drug improving performance. Houlihan said at the time that the positive test was the result of a contaminated pork burrito that she had bought in a Mexican catering truck.
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Shelby Houlihan, of the United States, participated in the 3000-meter women’s final at the world championships in the athletics room in Nanjing, China, Saturday March 22, 2025. (Photo / dar yasin)
“It was a long journey,” she told Running. “I am excited for today and now, but also a little mourning the past. It’s just a really difficult trip.”
Houlihan is the holder of the American record at 1,500 meters and the former record for the 5,000 -meter event. His appeal in 2021 in 2021 was transferred to the Arbitration Court for Sport but was finally rejected.
However, the case launched a debate in the world of sport and the fight against doping, because the elements were similar to other “flawless” cases which led to little or no penalty.
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Shelby Houlihan, right, and Nikki Hiltz led the 3000m women at the USATF indoor championships at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island, New York, February 22, 2025. (Kirby Lee-Imagn images)
Houlihan’s punishment finally cost her a trip to Paris for the Olympic Games and she must now work twice as difficult to prepare for a potential appearance in Los Angeles in 2028.
“Combined to try completely to create a new normal,” said Houlihan. “Running has been part of my life since I was 5 years old, so who am I without it? I didn’t know. (I felt) completely collapsed and trying to rebuild myself.”
The 32 -year -old Iowa native said that she hoped that her success could lead to a sponsor. The outdoor world championships are scheduled for September.
“It happened to a point where I said to myself:” I don’t want to abandon because I have the impression that I will always wonder what could have been “,” she said. “And then I have the impression of having even more to prove. I have the impression that the best remains to come for myself and I wanted to see this through and not let someone else decide.”
Shelby Houlihan poses with her medal after winning the 3000m female in 8: 52.03 during the USATF indoor championships at the Albuquerque Convention Center in Albuquerque, in New Mexico, February 14, 2020. (Kirby Lee-USA today Sport)
Houlihan was eligible to compete again in January and returned to the track last month at the Razorback Invitational in Arkansas. She won the interior race of 3,000 meters.
