Sha’Carri Richardson started her journey in track and field as a Lady Tiger. Registering with the LSU, young Richardson had big dreams with her track and field career. Much to her good fortune, the LSU groomed her perfectly to get her ready for the international world. And when she did step into the elite level, Richardson took the world by storm. Running some incredible numbers, the LSU Lady Tiger soon became a track and field phenom. With unprecedented success coming her way, Richardson soon became a World Champion. She also competed at the Paris Olympics where she won a silver medal, to further add to her embellished career. Meanwhile, as Richardson continues her path to ascension, LSU is most likely to be going in the same direction with another talented prospect. 

In a recent update from LSU, they have signed the high school phenom, Skyler Franklin. Specializing in the 400m category, Franklin has been one of the biggest emerging names in the women’s track realm. Hailing from Miramar, Florida, Franklin is expected to provide the much-needed stability to the female track team of the LSU. Looking at her accomplishments, the fact that she was ranked as the No.1 recruit for the class of 2026 according to MileSplit speaks volumes about her track prowess. Franklin later got reclassified to the class of 2025. 

Interestingly, Franklin, who is currently registered with the Rise Preparatory Academy, holds dual citizenship. Choosing between the United States and Jamaica, Franklin preferred to represent the Caribbean island. And boy did she make some significant waves with her performance! Running in the U18 category, Franklin clocked a blitzkrieg timing of 51.01s to record the best 400m time in the world. Moreover, riding on her explosive performance, Franklin became the fastest sophomore in US history along with being the third-fastest 400m sprinter in the United States. 

However, her heroics were not at all limited to the junior category. Franklin also stepped into the national level and there too, she was phenomenal. Competing at the Jamaican U20 Championships, the youngster won the 400m race with a time of 51.99s. Franklin’s zeal for victory was evident when raced in the less experienced 200m category too. With a timing of 23.16s, Franklin won the silver medal, much to the amusement of the fans. 

Lastly, a look at her personal best timings will surely put even the seniors to shame. Franklin ran 60m in 7.46s, 100m in 11.44s, 200m in 23.00s, 300m in 37.56s, and 400m in 51.01s!  Considering the fact that Franklin is just 17, LSU looks well on course to develop yet another Sha’Carri Richardson. Speaking of Richardson, she recently received some bizarre statements from Noah Lyles.

Noah Lyles sparks outrage with bold claim as he hints at Sha’Carri Richardson not being the world’s best

Noah Lyles has never been one to hold back his thoughts. And his latest remark about Sha’Carri Richardson has fans up in arms. In a recent YouTube episode of The Toure Show from February 26, 2025, the Olympic gold medalist stirred controversy by questioning Richardson’s status as the fastest woman in the world.

“Well, Sha’Carri Richardson is not the world’s best… Julien Alfred is,” Lyles unapologetically stated, directly challenging the reigning world champion. Though he later clarified by acknowledging Richardson’s World Championship title and Alfred’s Olympic gold, the damage was already done. Fans were quick to call out Lyles for downplaying Richardson’s achievements, especially given her razor-thin edge over Alfred in terms of the fastest recorded time.

Statistically, the debate has some merit. Julien Alfred dominated the 2024 season, clinching the Olympic 100m gold, the World Indoor 60m title, and the Diamond League crown. However, when it comes to sheer speed, Richardson still holds the fastest time of the year at 10.71 seconds—0.01s ahead of Alfred.

Lyles’ comment has once again positioned him at the center of track and field controversy. Whether it was an innocent take or a deliberate dig, it’s clear that his words have added fuel to an already intense rivalry.