Sha’Carri Richardson, of the United States, spreads her arms as he crosses the line to win the women’s 100 meter final during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos
by Don Mooney August 21, 2023
Memphis, TN—Listed as a 5-1 underdog in her first competition on the world stage, Sha’Carri Richardson flew past the best in the world today with 100mm time of 10.65. Richardson crossed the finish line with outstretched arms, in somewhat disbelief as she climbed past previous Jamacian champions Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson.
Is It A Comeback?
Richardson appeared ready to become America’s next sprint star when she cruised to a win at the Tokyo Olympic trials two years ago. But that victory quickly came off the books after she tested positive for marijuana — a doping violation she readily admitted, saying she was in a bad place after the recent death of her mom.
“Last time I was really here in a big stadium I had my orange hair and I wanted to show you guys that I’m still that girl but I’m better. I’m still that girl but I’m stronger. I’m still that girl but I’m wiser,” she said to Tiara Williams in an interview posted on Instagram after she secured her spot in Budapest.
She’s Back!
Her debut on the world championships stage on Sunday could not have gone better. Richardson cruised to a win, slowing in the final few meters as she mimicked wiping sweat from her brow. She won her heat with a time of 10.92, and once again led the field into the semifinals. Only three of the 54 sprinters in the opening heat went below 11 seconds.
In her semifinals, a slow reaction time had Richardson off to a unpromising start. She was able to finish in 10.84, but unable to secure one of the two automatic qualifying slots after finishing third behind Jackson and Marie-Josée Ta Lou. It was quickly clear that her time would move her to the finals.
Richardson said her goal for this year was to “to do what I should have done in these last two years already.” Assigned Lane 9 in the final, the furthest outside lane on the track. It’s not a desirable position as it’s nearly impossible to get a sense of the field as the race progresses, and medals are determined by milliseconds. Richardson closed out her comeback with a 10.65 and now holds the title as fastest woman in the world. In 12 months could we see redemption in Paris?