Sha’Carri Richardson will head to the Olympics in Paris this summer after winning this year’s 100-meter final at the US women’s track trials with the fastest time in the world.
The American sprinter posted a stunning 10.71 to seal her spot on Team USA, while her training partners Melissa Jefferson and Twanisha Terry also booked their places.
Richardson raised her arms in the air and then dropped to the track as the importance of her qualification became clear.
She, Jefferson and Terry then hugged as the trio celebrated at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
Before the race, Richardson got some inspiration when she met legendary rapper Snoop Dogg.
Sha’Carri Richardson got emotional after booking her spot at the Paris Olympics
Richardson celebrated the win with training partners Melissa Jefferson and Twanisha Terry
Richardson’s time of 10.71 in the 100 meters on Saturday was the fastest time in the world this year
The 24-year-old laughed giddily as she hugged the artist and seemed awed by his presence.
“I know I’m in the zone right now, but it’s an honor to meet you,” she said in a video on the channel’s website. NBC Sports X account.
This isn’t the first time Richardson has done this qualified for an Olympic Games, as she also won the 100 meters at the 2020 Olympic Trials.
However, she later tested positive for marijuana and was given a one-month ban by the US Anti-Doping Agency, which barred her from the 100 meters in Tokyo.
She could have competed in the 4×100 relay, but ultimately was not selected for Team USA.
Richardson looked impressed as she met Snoop Dogg before her race in Eugene, Oregon
Snoop Dogg attends day two of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Track & Field Trials in Oregon
On Friday, Richardson overcame a tough start to advance in the Olympic qualifiers after her shoelace came loose.
She still managed to win the opening round of the women’s 100 meters decisively, running a speed of 10.88 to advance to the semi-finals of the track and field trials.
“I definitely didn’t have the start that I trained for at this point,” Richardson told NBC after that win.
“But still, don’t panic, stay patient and know that no matter what happens, I’ll keep running my race.”
Richardson will now look to do the same at the Olympics, which start on July 26.