In a remarkable turn of events, Sha’Carri Richardson, who had barely made it into the women’s 100m final from a non-automatic qualifying spot, delivered an awe-inspiring performance to claim the gold medal and set a new championship record.
This victory denied the Jamaican athletes the expected golden finish they had anticipated, breaking their reign in the World Championships.
Over the past decade, Jamaican competitors had dominated the World Championships, clinching four titles in six editions. Their quest for a fifth title in Budapest was thwarted by the emergence of the new force on the track, Richardson.
As Richardson crossed the finish line, triumphantly raising her right fist, it became evident that this was her moment. Her victory marked a powerful comeback after missing the previous World Championships due to unfavourable circumstances.
The evening commenced with some suspense as Ewa Swoboda and Dina Asher-Smith both secured third place in their respective semifinals, clocking identical times of 11.01.
Richardson faced her own challenge, as her heat seemed like a prelude to the final itself. She was drawn alongside the fastest woman of the year, Shericka Jackson (10.65), and two-time 100m world medalist Marie-Josee Ta Lou (10.75). Despite facing stiff competition, the 2019 NCAA champion secured her spot in the final, finishing third (10.84).
The final lineup was formidable, featuring four of the eight fastest women in history. Regardless of the pressure, the 23-year-old Richardson rose to the occasion. The outer lane draw proved advantageous for the US champion, allowing her to maintain focus away from Jackson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who were placed in inner lanes.
With determination etched on her face, Richardson surged down the track. Jackson initially led the race but Richardson’s acceleration in the final meters was extraordinary. She broke the championship record with a remarkable time of 10.65, surpassing Fraser-Pryce’s record set the previous year in Oregon.
“I’m here. I’m the champion,” Richardson declared. “I told you all. I’m not back, I’m better.” Jackson, who had led the race for a significant portion, secured silver in 10.72, while Fraser-Pryce, with an injury-affected season, clinched bronze in a season’s best of 10.77.
Ivorian Marie-Josee Ta Lou, who had previously won 10 out of 10 races this season, faced her second defeat of the night, finishing fourth in 10.81. Despite her remarkable form, the 34-year-old couldn’t seize the moment to become the first female African gold medalist in the 100m.
The depth of the field was evident as six of the nine finalists clocked times under 11 seconds. NCAA champion Julien Alfred secured fifth place with a time of 10.93, and Swoboda achieved a personal best of 10.97 in sixth position. Brittany Brown (10.97), Dina Asher-Smith (11.00), and Tamari Davis (11.03) rounded off the final standings.
With this victory, Richardson not only claimed gold but also signalled that US athletes are determined to reclaim the event’s dominance that was once their hallmark.
