Worries Around Sha’Carri Richardson’s Loss Ruled Out By US Legend Ahead of Paris Olympics 2024

Sha’Carri Richardson missed the bus to Tokyo but is right at the start of the queue for Paris. Winning back-to-back gold at the 2023 World Championships in the 100m and 4x100m relay, Richardson is already the crowd’s favorite. When popular blogger ‘Track Spice’ went down to watch Richardson’s training back in November 2023, he was shocked at how the athlete seemed razor-focused on the goals. 

Well, unfortunately, even after the long grind, Sha’Carri Richardson has not been able to hit the mark. At least, that is what a part of the community is claiming. Her time so far has been termed as ‘unimpressive’ which has caused a reason for concern for Richardson’s fans. But a recent take of an Olympic legend on the Sha’Carri Richardson situation will definitely calm the nerves significantly. 

5x Olympic medalist unfazed by Sha’Carri Richardson’s ‘worrying’ runs

Justin Gatlin recently sat down on the Tidal League podcast to discuss everything track and field. During the show, the host brought up the topic of how Sha’Carri Richardson was not fast enough in her races so far. With the Olympics now knocking at the door, the host asked Gatlin whether these were alarming signs for the American track and field enthusiasts. But Justin Gatlin was prompt to dismiss the concerns. 

Speaking about the timings of Sha’Carri Richardson, Gatlin stated, “I would say with her preparation I’m not too concerned right now because they are 200m.” He went on to justify his take stating that the competitions that Richardson has participated in so far were both 200m. And it is well known that her strong forte is the 100m. Gatlin further shed light that he too, was coached by Sha’Carri Richardson’s present coach, Dennis Mitchell. And thus he can understand Mitchell’s strategy of not going all out. 

Well, for the uninitiated, these discussions are happening right now because of the Xiamen and Suzhou Diamond League. Appearing in both races, Richardson failed to bag the podium position as she finished with timings of 22.99s and 23.11s respectively. But do we really need to get worried? 

Is Sha’Carri Richardson lagging? 

Well, just like Gatlin pointed out, the events she participated in were 200m races, which is not her strong point. Sha’Carri Richardson is yet to appear in a 100m race and thus, the verdict regarding her preparedness cannot be passed yet. Moreover, reigning the world 100m leaderboard with 1480 points goes on to show how much power the 24-year-old actually packs. 

A look at her 100m performances in 2023 would clarify the situation further. Richardson ran 10.57s to record the fourth fastest female timing in the 100m back in April 2023. Soon after her feat, the 24-year-old raked up 10.76s on the clock at Doha to clinch gold. Finally, Sha’Carri Richardson rounded up her season with a World Championship gold at Budapest by clocking 10.65s. Thus, looking at the stats, it does not feel that Richardson is in trouble. It now all comes down to how she will keep her temperament and improve herself as the ultimate fight inches closer.