A new star is born
Sha’Carri Richardson, the 23-year-old American sprinter, has won the gold medal in the women’s 100m final at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, on Monday. She clocked a championship record time of 10.65 seconds, beating Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who finished second and third respectively.
Richardson’s victory was a remarkable redemption story, as she had missed the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 due to a positive test for marijuana, which she said she used to cope with the death of her biological mother. She also failed to qualify for the World Championships in 2022, and had a disappointing season this year until her breakthrough performance in Budapest.
She ran from lane nine, which is usually considered a disadvantage, but she showed no signs of nerves or pressure as she blasted out of the blocks and powered through the finish line. She celebrated her triumph with a mixture of joy and disbelief, as she hugged her coach and waved to the crowd.
“I felt that I executed an amazing race for myself, not even knowing where the other ladies were,” Richardson said after the race. “I was by myself in my own world which, honestly, it has been like that all my life. I’ve always been in my own world, my own element, so lane nine was perfect for me to do what it is that I know to do and focus on myself.”
A controversial and charismatic figure
Richardson has been one of the most talked-about athletes in the sport, not only for her blazing speed but also for her flamboyant personality and style. She has dyed her hair in various colors, from orange to blue to pink, and has sported long nails and eyelashes. She has also been outspoken and confident, often taunting her rivals on social media and declaring herself as the best sprinter in the world.
She has also faced criticism and controversy, especially after her suspension for marijuana use, which sparked a debate over the anti-doping rules and their impact on athletes’ mental health. She was also involved in a scuffle with a flight attendant earlier this year, which resulted in her being removed from the plane. She has also been questioned about her association with her coach Dennis Mitchell, who was banned for two years in 1998 for doping.
However, Richardson has also shown resilience and determination, overcoming many challenges and hardships in her life. She was abandoned by her mother as a child and raised by her grandmother. She attempted suicide in high school and struggled with depression and anxiety. She has also faced racism and sexism in the sport and society.
She has said that she uses her running as a way of expressing herself and coping with her emotions. She has also said that she wants to inspire other people who are going through similar struggles.
“I’m not back, I’m better,” Richardson said before the race. “I’m going to stay humble. I’m not back, I’m better and I’m going to continue to be better.”
A historic achievement
Richardson’s gold medal was not only a personal triumph but also a historic achievement for American sprinting. She became the first American woman to win the 100m title at the World Championships since Carmelita Jeter in 2011, and only the fourth ever after Evelyn Ashford (1983), Gail Devers (1993, 1995) and Jeter.
She also equalled the sixth fastest time ever recorded in the event, matching Jackson’s personal best from earlier this year. Only Florence Griffith-Joyner (10.49), Marion Jones (10.65), Elaine Thompson-Herah (10.54), Fraser-Pryce (10.60) and Christine Arron (10.73) have run faster.
She also joined Noah Lyles, who won the men’s 100m title on Sunday, as the first American duo to sweep the sprint events at the World Championships since Maurice Greene and Marion Jones in 1999.
Richardson’s performance also set up an exciting rivalry with Jamaica’s sprint queens, who have dominated the event for over a decade. Jackson won silver in 10.76 seconds, while Fraser-Pryce took bronze in 10.77 seconds. Both Jamaicans have won multiple Olympic and world medals, and are considered among the greatest sprinters of all time.
However, Richardson showed that she is not intimidated by them, and that she is ready to challenge them for more glory in the future.
“I respect every woman on that line because they are amazing athletes,” Richardson said. “But at the end of the day I know what I came here to do.”
