Diamond League: Sha’carri Richardson Wins Women’s 100m

By: Gyang Dakwo

American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson seems to have gotten her rhythm back as completed a smooth victory in the women’s 100m at the Diamond League Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon on Saturday (25 May).

The reigning world champion made a good start but trailed Julien Alfred in the early stages. Richardson then picked up impressively at 30m and cruised into the lead with the American able to coast across the line in a time of 10.83.

Alfred was second in 10.93 with Dina Asher-Smith clocking 10.98 in third ahead of fellow Briton Daryll Neita. Melissa Jefferson was the second American home in fifth ahead of Cote d’Ivoire’s Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith.

Jamaica’s reigning Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, making her first competitive appearance since last September’s Prefontaine Classic, was ninth in 11.30.

Richardson told Olympics.com she was apprehensive ahead of 100m season debut, saying, “I would not be human to say that I wasn’t nervous. But, as my coach said, use that nervousness as motivation.

“Honestly, I feel great about my race. I feel like I’m continuing to grow and develop as a mature young lady, a mature athlete.”