Sha’Carri Richardson overcomes brief stumble to run record time in 100 meter dash and advance in Olympic tryouts – after tripping over her untied laces!
Sha’Carri overcame an early stumble by blasting past her competition in the 100-meter dash to advance in the Olympic qualifiers for the Paris Games this summer.
Richardson decisively won the opening round of the women’s 100 meters with a time of 10.88 to advance to the semifinals of the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon.
The sprinter did not get off to a good start because one of her shoelaces came loose. However, she made up for the accident by winning her heat in record time.
“I definitely didn’t get the start that I trained for at this point,” Richardson told NBC after the win.
“But still, don’t panic, stay patient and know that no matter what happens, I’ll keep running my race.”
Sha’Carri Richardson ran a 10.88 in the 100 meters on Friday to advance to the U.S. Olympic qualifiers
Richardson is competing for her first Olympic Games in an already impressive career.
The American qualified for the Tokyo Olympics after winning the 100 at the 2020 trials. However, Richardson tested positive for THC and was suspended for a month.
Her controversial suspension ran during the 100 race in Japan, putting her out of competition.
Richardson’s second best time of 10.83 is the third fastest in the world this year. Moreover, she has had a remarkable season in 2023: she won her first world championship in the 100.
She also added a second gold medal with Team USA’s 4×100-meter relay team and won world championship bronze in the 200.
Richardson qualified for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo before being suspended for THC use
Richardson’s second-best time of 10.83 in the 100 is the third-fastest in the world this year
‘It was very nice to see where she really stands in what it means to be the face of the sprints. There’s a lot to it,” NBC athletics analyst Sanya Richards-Ross said of Richardson this week.
“I think she has a real chance to become an Olympic champion, given the way the 100 women are doing.”
“I’m prepared,” Richardson said. “I just need to get it all together.”