Sha’Carri Richardson, 23, has proven that she is one of the fastest women in the world. On Friday, Richardson ran the 100-meter race in 10.76 seconds at the prestigious Doha Diamond League, becoming the fastest woman in the world this year and earning first place. This marks the biggest international win of her career.
Richardson’s victory is especially impressive considering the uncertainties she has faced in the past year. This new feat has shown her perserverance.
“I found my peace back on the track, and I’m not letting anything or anybody take that anymore,” she said in an interview with NBC Sports.
Rise to success
Richardson’s rise to success has been nothing short of remarkable. She began running at the age of 10. By 16 she had broken the 100-meter high school record, running it in 11.11 seconds. Richardson went on to attend the University of Louisiana. There she set the collegiate record for the 200-meter race in 22.17 seconds. After her success at the university, Richardson declared for the Olympic Games in Tokyo. She was expected to be one of the top contenders.
Bouncing back from adversity
In 2021, news reports showed that the sprinter would not compete at the Tokyo Games. She tested positive for a chemical found in marijuana after her victory in the 100-meter finals at the Olympic trials last month. This marked a period of downward spiral for the runner. Around that time, the sports world and many in the public seemingly counted Richardson out. Various comment sections pointed out that she had “fallen off.”
However, in the face of adversity, Richardson persevered. She found her inner strength and continued to better herself. Now, with her incredible performance at the Doha Diamond League, Richardson has proven she is one of the fastest women in the world.
Richardson’s resilience shows how Black women dig deep and tap into their power to uncover their talents.
What’s next?
So far, Richardson has sent a strong message: stand on it, put your head down, and keep going (or, in her case, keep running.) This headspace will bode well for Richardson’s chances at July’s USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships. There the top three in the 100m will qualify for August’s world championships in Budapest.