Sha’Carri Richardson beats Julien Alfred to avenge Olympic agony at first attempt
Sha’Carri Richardson exacted revenge on rival Julien Alfred at the Zurich Diamond League, securing a first-place finish in the women’s 100m after finishing behind the Saint Lucian runner in Paris
Sha’Carri Richardson exacted revenge on rival Julien Alfred at the Zurich Diamond League, securing a first-place finish in the women’s 100m 33 days after finishing behind the Saint Lucian runner and settling for silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
On Thursday, Richardson earned a thrilling come-from-behind win at Letzigrund Stadium, crossing the line first in 10.84 seconds. Alfred finished close behind in 10.88 seconds, followed by Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith at 10.89 and Ivory Coast’s Marie Josee Ta Lou-Smith at 10.93.
With 20 meters left in the race, Richardson kicked into third-gear and chased down Alfred, eventually overtaking the Olympic champion in the final strides. Moments after the dominant showing, the Team USA star draped herself in an American flag while donning a smile that stretched from ear-to-ear.
In the leadup to Thursday’s 100m, Richardson sent a defiant warning to Alfred on social media. Taking to Instagram, she shared a brief video displaying her new custom Nike spikes, which featured her signature slogan “I’m not back, I’m better” on the shoe soles.
Last month, Alfred became the first woman to best Richardson in the 100m this year, claiming victory at the rain-soaked Stade de France in a personal-best 10.72 seconds. The reigning world-champion and heavy-favorite in the event finished 0.15 seconds later to take home silver.
On the heels of Richardson’s surprising defeat, fans online speculated that the 24-year-old’s performance could have been hampered by the stressful events that took place prior to the 100m. Upon arriving at the Stade de France ahead of the semifinal and final heats of the event, she and Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce were denied entry into the stadium.
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