Paris 2024 Sprint Preview: The golden torch is lighting on Sha’Carri Richardson to win the women’s 100m

Despite qualifying for the 2020 Summer Olympics after winning the women’s 100-meter dash in 10.86 seconds at the United States Olympic Trials in April 2021, Sha’Carri Richardson’s dream of challenging for an Olympic medal came to an abrupt halt on July 01 of the same year when it was reported that the freaky sprint goddess had tested positive for cannabis.

Well, the rest, they say is history, but the Dallas [Texas] born sprinter has gotten another golden opportunity to reach the pinnacle of the track and field’s signature event if she wins Olympic gold in the 100 in Paris come August 3, 2024.

It seems the gods of the 100m dash have already decided to gift Sha’Carri Richardson the women’s 100m gold medal as two of her rivals – Elaine Thompson-Herah, and Shericka Jackson have all withdrawn, amplifying the chances of the American winning the ultimate in Paris.

That notwithstanding, Sha’Carri Richardson was still going to step on the tracks as the favourite in the women’s 100m dash judging from her performance over the past year.

For instance, the diminutive but super fast sprinter won gold in the 100m at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, beating Shericka Jackson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in a new championships record time of 10.65 seconds.

She also defended her title as the US national champion in the 100-metre sprint event by winning the women’s 100m final in 10.71 seconds.

“This time around, I feel as if it was more − definitely still confident, still my exciting, normal self, but more so the overwhelming feeling of joy,” Richardson said following the race in Eugene, Oregon in late June.

However, the competition to be on top of the Olympic podium will still be fiercely contested with Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred [10.78], Jacious Sears [10.77], and Melissa Jefferson [10.80] all in top shape.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce may not be in the best of shape but she’s got enough experience in her sleeves to also snatch a medal should luck smile at her.

Women’s 100m

Final: August 3

Defending champion:

Elaine Thompson-Herah [JAM] 10.61

Olympic record-holder: Florence Griffith Joyner [USA] 10.61 [10.54w] 1988

World champion: Sha’Carri Richardson [USA] 10.65

World leader: Sha’Carri Richardson [USA] 10.71

The world champion [Richardson] will mightily start as a big favourite to win the women’s 100m.

By James K. Attaglo Wilson