Sha’Carri Richardson has earned her spot at this summer’s Games in Paris by winning the women’s 100m at the US Olympic trials.
The 24-year-old world champion triumphed with a time of 10.71 seconds, the fastest in the world this year, securing her qualification for her first Olympics.
Richardson had previously won the 100m at the US Olympic trials three years ago but was unable to compete at the Tokyo Games due to a positive marijuana test.
“I feel honoured,” said Richardson. “I feel every chapter I’ve been through in my life designed and prepared me for this moment.
“I cannot wait to go to Paris and represent.”
Despite a slow start, Sha’Carri Richardson accelerated to take the lead around the 50-meter mark and surged to victory, finishing with a time of 10.71 seconds. Melissa Jefferson finished second in 10.80 seconds, and Twanisha Terry came in third with 10.89 seconds. All three women are set to compete for Team USA in Paris.
After crossing the finish line with the world-leading time, Richardson ran to hug her grandmother, who was watching from the stands at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
“In the past three years I’ve grown – just [a] better understanding of myself, a deeper respect and appreciation for my gift that I have in the sport, and as well as my responsibility to the people that believe and support me,” said Richardson.
“I feel like all of those components have helped me grow.”
Sha’Carri Richardson won gold at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest with a championship record of 10.65 seconds, claiming her first major title.
She hopes to add Olympic gold to her accomplishments but has not set a target time for the Paris Games.
“I don’t put a time on myself, I just know that if I execute and run the race that I’ve trained [and] prepared for, that the time comes with it,” she said.
Elsewhere at the US Olympic trials, Ryan Crouser took victory in the men’s shot put with a throw of 22.84m, while Jasmine Moore won the women’s triple jump on her final attempt of 14.26m.