After Defeating Sha’Carri Richardson, Daryll Neita Is Vying for Paris Olympics Triumph in 100m

Ahead of the Paris Olympics, the track and field world was eagerly anticipating Sha’Carri Richardson’s season debut in the Olympic year, only to be met with two disappointing setbacks. The 2023 World Champion in the 100m fell short not once but twice at the Diamond League meets in China. The first setback came at the Xiamen Diamond League on Saturday, April 20, where she was surpassed by the emerging talent of 19-year-old Torrie Lewis.

Furthermore, her second race of the year was also met with disappointment when British sprinter Daryll Neita outpaced the “I’m not back, I’m better” star in the women’s 200m at the 2024 Shanghai/Suzhou Diamond League. Now, Daryll Neita, the 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympics bronze medalist in the 4×100m relay, is aiming to present Sha’Carri Richardson with significant competition once again. Neita is setting her sights on triumph in Richardson’s forte, the 100-meter event, at the Paris Olympics.

Daryll Neita’s Paris Olympics contention

Ahead of the Paris Olympics, Dazed Magazine interviewed three Great Britain athletes, Daryll Neita, Sunni Brummitt, and Kieran Reilly, on their journey to the pinnacle games. A moment in the interview stood out when Daryll Neita was asked about how the Olympics make her feel as a black woman from Lewisham.

In reply, Daryll shared that it’s inspiring for her to compete in her sport at such a high level. She shared that there might be other little girls, especially black girls like her, who watch her and think, “Yeah, I want to achieve that one day,” and she wanted to be a representation and inspiration to them.

Daryll Neita also said that even though London, where she’s from, has a lot of opportunities, it can also be tough sometimes. But despite that, she’s said, “The 100-metre women’s race is one of the most exciting races on the planet right now, so being a part of that, and coming from Lewisham, is cool.” As we reflect on these words, let us see how Daryll Neita outpaced the reigning 100-meter world champion, Sha’Carri Richardson, at the 2024 Shanghai/Suzhou Diamond League.

How the Brit surpassed America’s favorite, Sha’Carri Richardson

On Saturday, April 27, at the 200-meter dash at the 2024 Shanghai/Suzhou Diamond League, Daryll Neita gave the 2023 100-meter world champion Sha’Carri Richardson and the field of women tough contention. Daryll Neita burst off the line with lightning speed, running in lane seven. With 50 meters to go, she was well ahead of the competition. Anavia Battle from the USA tried to close the gap, but Neita was ahead.

In the final five meters, Daryll Neita eased up and crossed the line in 22.62 seconds; her performance was nothing short of spectacular. Anavia Battle fought hard to take second place and then came Sha’Carri Richardson, the world 100m champion, finishing third and clocking a 23.11.

Despite this victory, it’s worth noting that Richardson’s specialty lies in the 100-meter race. She is set to make her debut at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League event in Eugene on May 25th. Can Daryll Neita match up to the US 100-meter Titan? Only time will tell. Share your thoughts below!