22 Years After Facing IAFF Ban, Trainer of Sha’Carri Richardson Crowned as 2023 USATF Coach of the Year

On November 16th, Sha’Carri Richardson was honored with the 2023 USATF Jackie Joyner-Kersee award for her remarkable sprint throughtout the 2023 season. Interestingly, as she clinched the victory, Richardson credited the major chunk of her success to her coach Dennis Mitchess. After all, this mentor-mentee duo has been a force to be reckoned with in every event they participated in.

The USATF not only acknowledged Richardson’s incredible feat, but they also presented the honor to her coach for his valuable guidance to the sprinter until the very end of the 2023 track and field season. Mitchell was honored with the 2023 USATF Nike Coach of the Year award.

Sha’Carri Richardson’s coach recevied the honorable mention

Dennis Mitchell etched his name in the annals of track and field as he contributed to the sport with his remarkable skills. After being one of the best during his vocation, Mitchell shared his wisdom to the next generation of track and field icons. And, Sha’Carri Richardson is one of those stars.

Hence, as the duo clinched multiple victories in the 2023 track and field season, Sha’Carri Richardson and her coach have been honored with a title by USA TF. While Sha’Carri is awarded the 2023 Joyner-Kersee Female Athlete of the Year, Mitchell has been named the 2023 USATF Nike Coach of the Year.

The coach guided Sha’Carri to breakthrough the season in 100m category, and to stand atop the podium at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

However, for Mitchell, things were not always have been all gold and glitter, as during his vocation, the track and field icon served a ban in the wake of doping charges.

Mitchell overcame the ban by the IAAF

Back in 1998, Mitchell was among the fastest sprinters. Despite winning various championships, Mitchell was banned by the IAAF for two years. This was after conducting a test that showed the higher levels of testosterone in his blood. Although Mitchell tried his best to defend himself by saying the higher levels were because of having several beers and multiple intercourse with his wife, it was of no use. 

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However, Mitchell returned to the tracks at the 2001 World Championships, where he clinched a gold in the 4×100 relay. Unfortunately, the team was disqualified from the event due to BALCO’s scandal involvement by his teammate. As time flowed, Mitchell overcame his upsets and transformed himself into an irreplaceable coach who is also the guiding light for the current world champions.

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