Not Even in the Top 100, Sha’Carri Richardson’s Paris Olympics Bid Questioned by Track and Field Community: “Extremely Tough for Her”

From being “a little nervous” during her season opener to declaring for both the 100m and 200m events at the US Olympic Trials, Sha’Carri Richardson has come a long way in the past couple of months. But it doesn’t come as a surprise, especially after she said, “I definitely want to make the team in both (100m and 200m). I’m not one of those athletes who does just one event.” If that’s not confidence, what is? However, while she’s been confident since her season opener, the same can’t be said for the track and field community.

A 42-day countdown to the Paris Olympics. A seven-day countdown to the Trials. And one of the 10 fastest women in history aiming to secure an Olympic spot in 2 extremely competitive events. As the reigning world champion, there’s no doubting Sha’Carri Richardson’s 100m prowess. In fact, she’s likely a shoo-in for one of those berths. However, it’s her 200m performance that’s raised eyebrows while also raising doubts about her ability to make the team. Do you know where the 24-year-old places in the 2024 charts for the women’s 200m event? 108th. 

At Xiamen, China’s Egret Stadium, on April 20, Richardson set a best time of 22.99 seconds in the 200 meters. Guess what time chart-topper McKenzie Long – who also happens to be an American – recorded on June 8. At Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, she ran the 200m in 21.83 seconds. So, when NBC Sports’ Travis Miller tweeted, “Sha’Carri Richardson has declared for the 100m and 200m at Olympic Trials,” many were quick to dismiss Richardson’s chances to qualify for the 200m event given the considerably large gap separating her from the top 200m sprinters this year.

Richardson, however, has previously shown her mettle in the 200m with some pretty impressive scores as well. She has shattered the barometer by notching PBs in Budapest 2023 with a time of 21.92 seconds and 23.08 seconds in Fayetteville 2019. However, in a rather disconcerting instance from 2023, Richardson faltered against Gabby Thomas in the 200m national title.

Richardson set a time that wasn’t one to scoff at but wasn’t that great either, considering her stature. She secured a 21.94, but Thomas secured pole position with an effortless 21.60. And now, with her recent standings in the 2024 charts, the track and field community is engaged in a heated discussion over this disparity in results. It’s important to note that a National Olympic Committee may enter a maximum of three qualified athletes in each individual event. That said, how do Sha’Carri’s best 200m times compare to those of the other American hopefuls?

From the looks of it, Gabby Thomas may be a bit beyond reach for Sha’Carri Richardson. However, McKenzie Long’s times are quite comparable to Richardson’s. Apart from them and JaMeesia Ford, there’s no doubt that the 24-year-old will have to work extremely hard for that spot on the national team. While she may be a shoo-in for the 100m, as mentioned earlier, it’s not like Richardson has no competition.

Jacious Sears gave rather stiff competition to the reigning champion in the 100m event, which did crumble the latter’s confidence quite a bit. At the Tom Jones Memorial, Sears clocked a 10.77 like it was a walk in the park. She almost came close to Richardson’s NCAA-leading record set in the epochal year 2019, which was a 10.75. However, recounting her tough challenges, audiences have been concerned about Sha’Carri Richardson’s fate as the Trials loom closer.

The 100m is “definitely a lock” for Sha’Carri Richardson, but fans don’t see that in the 200m

Track and field fans are having an energetic debate over Sha’Carri Richardson’s attempt to qualify for each event. A user said, “As long as she is confident and healthy, that 100m is hers. Going to be extremely tough for her in that 200m.” This emotion describes the doubt around Richardson’s 200m attempt and the hope for her 100m race. Given the times mentioned earlier and her season best, it’s not a surprise that fans are questioning her 200m qualifying ability.

Expressing just that, a user wrote, “For some reason, I don’t see Sha’Carri making that 200m team.” Gabby Thomas has already declared her intentions for the Olympics this year. She’s heading into the Trials (and subsequently, Paris) with the mindset of breaking Florence Griffith Joyner’s record from 1988. She said that it “needs to be gone.” As for the others, they’re just as motivated to make the team, considering it’ll be their first time participating in the Trials.

Another supporter explained, “Let’s go!!! I’m very confident in her 100…hope she can find a new gear for the 200,” addressing the divergent character of followers’ expectations. While the 200m seems to be a more uncertain undertaking, many seem to believe that Richardson can dominate the 100m. Additionally, Sha’Carri Richardson’s route to the Olympic Trials is more than just winning medals. Previously, she was disqualified after the 2021 Trials, but now has eyes for Paris.

“What would it mean to make it to Paris? Just literally all the training, all of the support, all of the naysayers, it pays off,” she said to NBC. Richardson emits a strong sense of commitment. “I’m better, I’m stronger, and I’m wiser,” she noted. On June 21 in Eugene, Oregon, Richardson is scheduled to run her first Olympic trials preliminary. She is eager to disprove her detractors and guarantee her place on Team USA. Richardson hopes to become the first American woman to win a gold medal in the 100m since Florence Griffith-Joyner in 1988 if she makes it.

Her drive to succeed and return honor to her supporters is what leads her to Paris. “My family is so special to me… they knew who I was going to be before I even put it together,” she added. Although she is confident about her chances, one user said, “Good on her for trying both. 100 definitely a lock. I don’t see her qualifying for the 200.” This confirms the widespread belief that Richardson’s advantages are primarily in the shorter sprint.

However, certain supporters still view the 200m as a strategic fallback. “I think if she makes the 100m team, she’s scratching the 200m. The latter race is like an insurance policy,” pointed out to a supporter, emphasizing a tactical plan. The track and field community is excited to see how she handles this difficult route as they watch her prepare for these important races.