Sha’Carri Richardson looks to rebound after surprising loss

Sha'Carri Richardson is focusing on something else now that she lost her first race of the season at the Xiamen Diamond League 2024 this weekend.

Gary Smith || World-Track Content Manager and Lead Reporter

April 21, 2024

Sha'Carri Richardson and Torrie Lewis at the Xiamen Diamond League 2024. Photo: Matthew Quine for Diamond League AG

Sha’Carri Richardson, the American sprint sensation, is recalibrating her focus after an unexpected setback in the season’s inaugural race at the Xiamen Diamond League 2024 in China this past weekend.

The world bronze medalist in the 200m found herself narrowly bested by newcomer Australian Torrie Lewis in a tightly contested sprint.

Despite the unanticipated outcome, Richardson, who admits to being a little anxious before the race, maintains a positive outlook on her performance and the insights gained from the race. She revealed that the April competition is a rare late start for her to the season.

“It’s late for me in the season to open up. I was a little nervous, but once I got on the track, it felt like home,” Richardson explained. “So I felt really good with this first performance.

“I know what I need to work on. Me and my coach. I’m pretty sure by the time I get back to the warm-up area he’s already formulating on how to get better for the next race, so I’m excited for my next race.”

Lewis, a youthful 19-year-old, delivered a gutsy display in her debut Diamond League appearance, crossing the finish line in 22.96 seconds to clinch victory, narrowly edging out Richardson, who completed the race in 22.99 seconds.

“I’m super surprised,” the Australian teenager said after the race. “I just had my nationals on Sunday, and then I came here. I think it helps. It gave me a good little prime for today’s performance, which is my first Diamond League victory.”

The closely contested finish also saw Americans Tamara Clark and Anavia Battle finishing closely behind, both recording times of 23.02 seconds to secure the third and fourth positions, respectively.

Meanwhile, the defeat represents a rare deviation in Sha’Carri Richardson’s early illustrious professional career, highlighted by a world championship triumph in the 100m and a bronze medal in the 200m last summer.

She will aim to add to her accolades at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in France later this summer.

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About The Author

Gary Smith || World-Track Content Manager and Lead Reporter

Gary Smith is one of the leading writers for World-Track.org. He has over 20 years of running experience, as well as 12 years of coaching while covering several events, from the international to college level. Smith, who has covered events for publications such as Caribbean Net News, European Athletics, Cayman Net News, AFP, and Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), is also a frequent contributor of SportingAlert.com and TrackAlerts.com. Smith holds a degree in Communication and Journalism. Twitter | LinkedIn | News Break Writer

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