100m world champion Sha’Carrie Richardson dominated the 100m at the US trials in Eugene, Oregon, with a time of 10.71 to qualify for her first Olympic Games in Paris (July 26-August 11).
Three years after missing the Tokyo Games after testing positive for marijuana, the 24-year-old sprinter had the best performance in the world this year and showed that she will be among the favorites for the gold medal in France.
“Work pays off”said the champion, who on Saturday beat two other champions, Melissa Jefferson (10.80) and Tanisha Terry (10.89), who will join her in the 100 meters in Paris.
SHA’CARRI RICHARDSON RUN 10.71 TO QUALIFY FOR PARIS OLYMPICS
IT’S THE FASTEST TIME IN THE WORLD THIS YEAR
(by @NBCOlympics)
pic.twitter.com/98FCRE9Fyg– Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 23, 2024
“This game confirms all our work, I can’t wait to continue building on today’s result and our momentum”He continued.
Before signing the miniature Eiffel Tower installed after the finish line, Richardson tearfully climbed into the stands to hug her grandmother, the woman who raised her in Dallas.
Richardson used marijuana to cope with the death of her “biological mother” days before the 2021 Olympic qualifiers.
A family moment for Sha’Carri Richardson that will last a lifetime. #TrackFieldTrials24 pic.twitter.com/WyZCgyE6S0
– NBC Sports (@NBCSports) June 23, 2024
The punishment erased her victory and deprived her of the Tokyo Games, marking the beginning of a small descent into hell (questionable statements, exaggerations on social media, non-selection for the 2022 World Cup).
But the Texan, who lives in Florida, managed to recover and conquer the 100m throne at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, achieving the 5th best time of all time (10.65).
“In the last three years I have learned to understand myself, to have more respect and to better understand my talent in this sport. I feel like all of these elements have helped me develop and will continue to help me grow as a young man.”explained Richardson at a press conference.
Source: AFP