World champion Sha’Carri Richardson pulled out of the women’s 100m at the Meeting Citta’ Di Padova 2023, yet made an appearance at the stadium to engage with fans and athletes. Her absence paved the way for Jamaica’s Natasha Morrison to clinch the win with a time of 11.15 seconds.
Scheduled to compete in a marquee event at the 2023 World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze level meeting, Richardson’s withdrawal became apparent when her assigned lane four remained vacant during athlete introductions.
Despite her absence from the race, the American sprinter, who clinched the World Athletics Championships 100m title in Budapest last month, mingled with attendees and competitors post-event.
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A member of the officials escorted the 23-year-old athlete as she circled the track and received applause from the crowd. The sprinter blew kisses to fans in the stands, showing appreciation for their support.
With Sha’Carri Richardson, who shares the world-leading time of 10.65 seconds in the women’s 100m watching from the sidelines, Natasha Morrison, a semifinalist at the world track and field championships, seized the win, powering home to a time of 11.15 seconds.
Two-time world championships 4x100m gold medalist Twanisha “TeeTee” Terry of the USA finished second, clocking 11.21 seconds, followed by Jamaica’s Olympic 4x100m gold medal winner, Briana Williams, who secured third place with a time of 11.39 seconds.
Photo: Capture video image from Fidal Servizi
