BUDAPEST – After years of anticipation and challenges, U.S. sprint sensation Sha’Carri Richardson showcased her mettle, surging from the challenging lane nine to clinch the world 100 metres gold on Monday. On her way to victory to took down her Jamaican rivals, Shericka Jackson and prevented Shelly-Ann Pryce winning a sixth world title.
Sha’Carri Richardson Dominates Jamaicans at Budapest 2023
In a breathtaking finish, Richardson stopped the clock at 10.65 seconds, narrowly edging out Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson, who secured silver with a time of 10.72 seconds.
“I’m here, I told y’all,” she told the track announcer after the race. “I’m not back — I’m better.”
““”These last three years, I’ve shown you what I can do,” she added. “It just was me that was standing in my way. Now I’m with myself.”
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The evergreen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, aiming for an unprecedented sixth world 100m crown at 36 and following a season marred by injuries, gracefully claimed the bronze in 10.77.
Richardson, 23, had faced her share of setbacks. She missed the 2021 Tokyo Olympics due to a cannabis-related suspension and couldn’t make the cut for the world championships in Eugene the following year.
With her vibrant presence on social media and her unmistakable flair on the track, Richardson entered the championships in formidable form. This was evident despite Jackson boasting the season’s fastest time of 10.65 prior to the Budapest showdown.
Yet, the path to gold wasn’t smooth. A hesitant start in the semi-finals earlier on Monday saw Richardson battling to finish third, barely securing a spot in the final as one of the fastest losers.
This semi-final performance relegated her to the less-favored lane nine. But Richardson, undeterred, exploded off the blocks in the final, keeping her composure despite the isolation. Jackson, operating from lane four, seemed poised for victory with a significant lead at 80 metres.
However, Richardson’s indomitable spirit saw her overtake Jackson in the dying moments, matching the Jamaican’s season-best and setting a new championship record.
With this victory, Sha’Carri Richardson becomes the first American to clinch the women’s 100m title since the late Tori Bowie’s triumph in 2017, who tragically passed away earlier this year at 32.
Women’s 100m Results – Final
- Sha’Carri RICHARDSON (USA) – 10.65 CR
- Shericka JACKSON (JAM) – 10.72
- Shelly-Ann FRASER-PRYCE (JAM) – 10.77 SB
- Marie-Josée TA LOU (CIV) – 10.81
- Julien ALFRED (LCA) – 10.93
- Ewa SWOBODA (POL) – 10.97 PB
- Brittany BROWN (USA) – 10.97
- Dina ASHER-SMITH (GBR) – 11.00
- Tamari DAVIS (USA) – 11.03
