Just four years after being suspended from the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, 24-year-old track star Sha’Carri Richardson can now proudly call herself an Olympic medalist.
Richardson made her Olympic debut at the Paris Games in the 100-meter dash event. She secured the silver medal with a time of 10.87 seconds. In a display of black girl magic, Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred won her country’s first Olympic medal, finishing in 10.72 seconds, while Melissa Jefferson took home the bronze with a time of 10.92 seconds.
Although Richardson didn’t win the gold, her achievement is significant, especially considering her past challenges. Three years ago, she was poised to compete in the Tokyo Olympics but was suspended after testing positive for cannabis. She had used THC to cope with the loss of her mother, leading to her disqualification from the games.
This setback only fueled Richardson’s determination. Since then, she has won multiple Diamond League meets, the 2023 U.S. National Outdoor Championship, and the 2023 World Athletics Championship. After breaking the 100-meter world record at the 2023 World Athletics Championship, Richardson adopted a new motto: “I’m not back. I’m better.” She explained that this phrase reflects her resilience and growth following the criticism she faced during the 2020 Tokyo Games.
In an interview, Richardson shared, “That slogan comes from knowing that I’ve been through challenges that many couldn’t handle or bounce back from. The fact that I’m able to stand here as the athlete and woman I am today—wiser, calmer, disciplined, and more focused—speaks to my passion and responsibility.”
WHAT A RACE in the women’s 100m final! #ParisOlympics
10.72🇱🇨🥇Julien Alfred (National Record)
10.87🇺🇸🥈Sha’Carri Richardson
10.92🇺🇸🥉Melissa Jeffersonpic.twitter.com/InKuWLY9SU— Travis Miller (@travismillerx13) August 3, 2024
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