Sports and Entertainment
Angélique Richardson
March 2026
Angelique Richardson from the Lawrence Stephens Sports and Entertainment team advised elite sprinter Adaejah Hodge throughout a review process to enable her to return to competition following the conclusion of a review conducted by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) in cooperation with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
As publicly announced by the AIU, Hodge — a redshirt freshman sprinter with the University of Georgia Track & Field program, a 2024 Olympian for the British Virgin Islands, and the 2024 World Athletics Under‑20 Champion in the 200m — is eligible to return to competition following a case resolution agreed under the World Athletics Anti‑Doping Rules.
In its published decision, the AIU confirmed that Hodge unknowingly ingested a prohibited substance, that the Anti‑Doping Rule Violation was not intentional, and that she provided substantial cooperation throughout the process. Under the terms of the agreement, Hodge became eligible to compete again from 28 January 2026.
Lawrence Stephens advised Hodge from the outset of the matter, which came from a referral via the Sport Resolutions Pro Bono Scheme.
Hodge said in the University of Georgia’s statement:
“This experience has been incredibly difficult, and I am very thankful for the guidance and support of my attorney, Angelique Richardson, the University of Georgia, the AIU and WADA throughout this process. I look forward to getting back on the track and finally having the opportunity to represent the Bulldogs.”
We are pleased that this matter has now been concluded and that Adaejah can move forward with her collegiate and international career.
Link to the AIU Public Disclosure: AIU-24-267-HODGE-Communication-CRA_FINAL.pdf
