Sha’Carri Richardson, the world 100-meter champion, secured her spot in the Paris Games on Saturday by winning the 100 meters at the US athletics trials, giving her a chance to redeem herself at the Olympics.
Three years after being disqualified from the US Olympic team due to a positive marijuana test, Richardson triumphed in the women’s 100-meter final with a time of 10.71 seconds. Melissa Jefferson followed in 10.80 seconds, and Twanisha Terry finished third in 10.89 seconds.
Despite starting behind, Richardson quickly gained the lead mid-race and finished with this year’s world-best time, aided by a wind speed of 0.8 meters per second.
“I feel honored,” Richardson said. “I believe that every phase of my life has shaped and equipped me for this particular moment. I am so excited to represent in Paris.”
After winning the US trials in 10.86 seconds, Richardson seemed destined for the Tokyo Olympics, postponed three years ago due to the pandemic. However, her hopes of winning an Olympic gold medal were dashed when it was discovered she had tested positive for marijuana, resulting in a one-month suspension and barring her from Tokyo.
Her attempt to revive her career at the 2022 World Championships faltered when she failed to advance past the US trials. However, Richardson made a strong comeback in 2023, winning the 100 meters at the World Championships in Budapest with a championship-record time of 10.65 seconds.
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