Sha’Carri Richardson Qualifying for Paris Olympics After Tokyo Setback Has Coach Mitchell in Surprise: ‘I Can’t Believe’

Our “that girl” is finally back! Sha’Carri Richardson, whose victory at the 2021 Olympic trials was nullified due to a positive marijuana test, has triumphantly returned after three years for another Olympic shot. She marked a milestone on her “I’m Not Back, I’m Better” tour by sprinting the 100 meters in 10.71 seconds at the US Track and Field Trials on June 22. This performance made her the fastest woman in the world for 2024 and secured her a spot in France, where the women’s races will commence on August 2.

Richardson edged out Melissa Jefferson, the 2022 US champion, by 0.09 seconds (10.80). Twanisha Terry finished third with 10.89s and also earned a place on the women’s 100-meter team. But there’s something common between these girls: their coach, Dennis Mitchell, under whose tutelage they have all flourished. And guess what? Right now, the coach is just astonished over his girls’ game. What untold riches lie in the wake for Richardson now?

Coach Mitchell’s winning formula takes Richardson and others to Paris

Once Richardson crossed the finish line, she hugged Terry and Jefferson, all three bound for Paris. “To stand here with these amazing women who I have the pleasure of sharing this moment with, who I train with… it’s a full-circle moment, I’m appreciative,” she said. “I cannot wait to go to Paris and represent.” However, a majority of the credit goes to their coach, whose guidance helped these girls achieve their goals.

In a recent youth podcast on Citius Mag, Coach Dennis Mitchell reacted to Sha’Carri Richardson, Melissa Jefferson, and TT Terry’s 100m performance. “I was so excited man I couldn’t do anything but scream, you know, because this is something that these girls have worked hard for and to be able to accomplish something of this magnitude on this stage, with the incredible girls that they had to run against, I just can’t describe it. But my reaction was just unbelievable happiness for not for myself but for them,” he expressed. “I’m still just trying to process the moment, um, so I’m so happy for them. I’m proud of them, you know, and I can’t believe that this happened, but I’m just happy.”

Richardson, three years ago, also won this same race, clocking in at 10.86 seconds, only to have her victory stripped away due to a positive marijuana test. This revealed not just her personal battles with depression, but also highlighted the necessity for an anti-doping rulebook that adapts to modern challenges. But this coach has been there for her even after she tested positive for a drug in 2021.

How Sha’Carri Richardson’s coach became the key to her success!

Richardson’s evolution from her memorable performance at Hayward Field in 2021 to her present stature underscores her remarkable personal development. Despite her absence from the Tokyo Olympics, she dedicated herself to self-improvement, guided by the support of her family and coach. As she aptly puts it, “Every time I step on the track, I’m going to try to do what it is that me, my coach, and my support team believe I can do, and with the talent that God blessed me to have.” It’s evident that she is pretty close to her coach, who very well knows this sport.

Dennis Mitchell has a rich background in track and field, having achieved Olympic success himself and coached notable athletes like Justin Gatlin. As Richardson’s former coach for the USATF relay team, Mitchell brings a wealth of experience to her journey, offering guidance and expertise. Richardson’s breakthrough came when she won the national championship in 2023, followed by a significant victory at the world championship. It’s clear that with Richardson under his guidance, Mitchell’s influence on her success is undeniable.