“I’m Not Back…”: After Winning Her First-Ever US Nationals Title Sha’Carri Richardson Gives a Powerful Message

With her electrifying speed, Sha’Carri Richardson has yet again left her mark on the track. The 23-year-old has won her first women’s 100m final at the USA Track and Field Championships 2023 held in Eugene, Oregon. Richardson’s dazzling sprint has rightfully earned her the ticket to the highly anticipated World Championships next month in Budapest.

The former LSU alum’s triumph will mark her inaugural appearance at the prestigious global event next month, setting the stage for an extraordinary journey ahead. Prior to her win, Richardson briefly set this year’s fastest time in women’s 100m with 10.71 seconds in Heat 1. However, her one-day record was broken by Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson, who clocked 10.65 seconds. But Sha’Carri Richardson’s trailblazing performance at the finals proved she is the real deal.

Sha’Carri Richardson’s Show-Stopping Performance

The 23-year-old’s jaw-dropping performance left the Hayward Field crowd in awe. With her lightning-fast speed, she achieved pole position in the women’s 100m final. She clocked a time of 10.82 seconds, beating Brittany Brown (10.90) who came in second, and Tamari Davis (10.99) who finished third. Before starting the race, Richardson took her trademark orange wig and flung it on the track, displaying a star shaved on her head, in the process. After her remarkable display of speed, the LSU alum expressed her readiness and conviction to take on everything and everybody that stands in her way.

Post her race, the sprinter recalled that the last time she gave an interview in this stadium she wasn’t ready. Speaking to NBC Richardson said, “Now, I stand here with you again and I’m ready, mentally, physically, and emotionally.” Reiterating her plans for the future, she further added, “I’m here to say, ‘I’m not back, I’m better.” Throughout 2023, the 23-year-old has been building momentum towards next month’s World Championships in Budapest and the ultimate sporting event that follows next year in the form of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her recent form marks a career-high that comes after she was suspended for a doping violation two years back.

Sha’Carri Richardson’s Doping Violation

Back in 2021, Sha’Carri Richardson completely dominated the track during the Olympic Trials for Tokyo. With her performance, she cemented her position in the Olympics. Only to learn later that she will be disqualified and lose her place in the Games for a doping violation that revealed the sprinter had been using marijuana.

Read more: “Killing the Sport”: Sha’Carri Richardson Joins Hands With Millions After NBC Drops a Disappointing Update for Track and Field World

She later admitted to using the banned substance in order to cope with her mother’s passing shortly before the Olympic Trials. The sprinter also served a one-month ban for doping violations. Through her consistent performances in 2023, Richardson has made her intentions for the future clear to all her competitors. The 23-year-old is ready to take all her upcoming challenges head-on and cement her place as the next athletic star of the USA.

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