Shelby Houlihan, an American Olympic runner who competed at Rio Games 2016 and later faced a warmly discussed four-year ban, was back on the podium on Saturday.
Houlihan won a silver medal at the World Cup indoors in the 3,000 -meter event in Nanjing, China. She was unable to compete in the Tokyo-Oly and Olympics in Paris because she tested positively for a performance-enhancing drug. Houlihan claimed at the time that the positive test was the result of an occupied porkburrito she bought from a Mexican food truck.
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Shelby Houlihan from the United States competes in the women’s 3000 meter final at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, Saturday, March 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)
“It’s been a long journey,” she told Let’s Run. “I’m excited about today and now, but also a little to make sure the past a little. It’s just been a really tough journey.”
Houlihan is the US record holder at 1,500 meters and the former record holder in the 5,000 -meter event. Her appeal from her ban 2021 was moved to the court of arbitration for sports, but was ultimately rejected.
However, the case started a debate in the sport and the anti -doping world as the elements corresponded to other “no errors” cases that resulted in little or no punishment.
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Shelby Houlihan, Right, and Nikki Hiltz lead the women’s 3,000 m during the USATF indoor championships at Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island, New York, on February 22, 2025. (Kirby Lee-Preferred Pictures)
Houlihan’s punishment ultimately cost her a trip to Paris to the Olympics, and she now has to work twice as hard to get ready for a potential performance in Los Angeles in 2028.
“To get used to completely trying to create a new normal,” Houlihan said. “Running had been a part of my life since I was 5 years old, so who am I without this? I didn’t know. (I felt) completely crumbled and tried to rebuild myself again.”
The 32-year-old Iowa native said she hoped her success could lead to a sponsor. The world outdoor championships are set for September.
“It came to a point where I was like,” I don’t want to give up because I feel like I will always wonder what could have been, “she said.” And then I feel I still have more to prove. I feel like the best one doesn’t come to myself yet and I would see it through and don’t let anyone else decide. “
Shelby Houlihan poses with his medal after winning the women’s 3,000 mi 8: 52.03 during the USATF indoor championships in the Albuquerque Convention Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on February 14, 2020. (Kirby Lee -usa Today Sports)
Houlihan was eligible to compete again in January and returned to the course last month at Razorback Invitational in Arkansas. She won the indoor 3,000 meters of running.
