The comeback of the new fastest woman in the world – 08/22/2023 – Sport

US sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, who had been suspended from track and field for marijuana use, warned rivals in the 100m freestyle all season: “I’m not just back, I’m better.” She was right.

Now, at the World Championships in Athletics, the world’s greatest sprinters have seen what this 23-year-old American is capable of.

In lane number nine, Richardson ran the distance in 10.65 seconds – the fifth-fastest time in women’s event history – to claim a gold medal on her debut in the majors.

For her, it was a mix of emotions. Richardson had to overcome major setbacks at the start of a promising career.

After bright moments in 2021, a month-long doping suspension for marijuana use caused Richardson to miss his first Olympic Games, in Tokyo (2021).

She also failed to qualify for last year’s World Championships in her native country.

The athlete’s positive test came after winning the Olympic trials, which took place a week after her mother’s death.

At the time, she explained that she had used marijuana to cope with grief – she was suspended anyway.

But it seemed only a matter of time before his talent would shine again.

She ran four of the six fastest times this year. Only world runner-up, Jamaican Shericka Jackson – whose time she equaled – was faster in 2023.

The Texan’s inexperience looked like it could derail her medal quest when she finished third and outside the semifinal automatic qualifying spots. But a tie in the outer lane didn’t stop her from competing.

“In previous interviews I’ve mentioned that I’m not back, I’m doing better,” Richardson said. “I’ll stay humble. I didn’t come back, I’m better and I’ll keep getting better.”

“I felt like I had an amazing race, not even knowing where the other women were. I was alone in my own world. Honestly, it’s been like this my whole life. So track nine was perfect for me to do what I know how to do and me. focus on myself,” she added.

Richardson’s triumph – many in the crowd rose to applaud her as she raced down the track – follows that of compatriot Noah Lyles in the men’s 100m on Sunday.

Speaking to the BBC, the American eight times world champion Michael Johnson praised his compatriot.

“That’s incredibly important because it came entirely from Richardson. She’s a huge talent. She didn’t make the team in Doha and then came back in 2021 and won the trials. Everyone knew who she was after the ban (for marijuana doping) .”

“She is very authentic, she doesn’t make excuses. I think it’s great for the sport because she has a unique personality. The sport needs these personalities”, he concluded.