Sha'Carri Richardson: USA's sprint queen seeking Olympic redemption in Paris

After facing a low point in her professional career, Sha'Carri Richardson heads to Paris with a singular focus: Olympic redemption. The American sprinter is determined to win gold in the 100m sprint!

The 24-year-old Texan athlete arrives in Paris as a clear favorite, with fans drawing comparisons to the iconic Gail Devers from the 1996 Olympics. Will Richardson be crowned the world's fastest woman at the Olympics?

Sha'Carri Richardson is regarded as the fastest woman on earth after clocking 10.65 seconds at the Track and Field World Championships in Budapest in 2023, according to NPR.

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Nevertheless, it all came crashing down in 2021, when Richardson found herself barred from official competitions (Tokyo Olympics too) after testing positive for THC (the psychoactive component in marijuana) during the U.S.A. trials.

It was a massive blow for the young American athlete, who was well on her way to becoming a track and field superstar. "[In 2022] I was angry, I saw everything red everywhere I went. And I was going to make sure everybody felt that as well," shared Richardson during an interview, according to The Japan Times.

Richardson was out of it mentally and physically after what she described as a "mental siege". Her disillusion with the sport was visible after she failed to qualify for the World Championships in 2022.

Nevertheless, Richardson shifted her mindset in 2023, and came back full speed. She dominated the 2023 World Championships with some great, high-caliber running from the outside lane, clocking in 10.65 seconds.

"I'm not back, I'm better," claimed Richardson upon her return, highlighting she was a different person. A more mature athlete on and off the track.

"I don't just mean I'm a better runner, it's beyond that. I'm better at being Sha'Carri. I'm better at being myself," shared Richardson during an interview for Vogue.

Her mental fortitude alongside her incredible physical gift is the perfect combination for greatness, however, it's a matter of harnessing it. The American athlete often gives the impression of a siege mentality and admits that her most challenging opponent has often been herself, according to France 24.

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"There last two years I've always had the ingredients to be the athlete I know I can be and that I train to be," added Richardson during her Vogue interview.

Richardson has a very 'loud' personality for an athlete. With her long brightly painted fingernails and vibrant hairstyles, she is often compared to Florence Griffith-Joyner, who still holds the 10.49 seconds record on the 100m sprint.

Many analysts and sports pundits believe Richardson could not only claim gold but also knock out a record or two during these Paris Olympics. She could threaten Flo-Jo's long-standing benchmark.

"She's just built different. Physically, she has perfect form. If you have an eye for track and field, the way she strikes and hits the ground, you don't have to coach it. She picks up speed naturally. It's amazing," shared former 2004 Olympic champion Justin Gatlin.

Things are shaping up for Richardson ahead of the opening race. Three of her most formidable opponents from Jamaica have been ruled out from the Olympics or are struggling with injuries (Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser, Shericka Jackson).

The track and field events will start on August 1st-11th. The women's 100m will kick off on Friday, August 2nd. Be sure to tune in!

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