Sha’Carri Richardson wins 100-meter, earning spot at Paris Olympics

ShaCarri Richardson US Olympic Team 2024 Track and Field Trials

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

The fastest woman in the world will finally represent the United States at the Olympics.

Ryan Adamczeski

Ryan is a reporter at The Advocate, and a graduate of New York University Tisch's Department of Dramatic Writing, with a focus in television writing and comedy. She first became a published author at the age of 15 with her YA novel "Someone Else's Stars," and is now a member of GALECA, the LGBTQ+ society of entertainment critics, and the IRE, the society of Investigative Reporters and Editors. Her first cover story, "Meet the young transgender teens changing America and the world," has been nominated for Outstanding Print Article at the 36th GLAAD Media Awards. In her free time, Ryan likes watching the New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild, listening to the Beach Boys, and practicing witchcraft.

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Ryan Adamczeski

June 24 2024 11:58 AM EST

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Sha'Carri Richardson will finally have the chance to compete in the Olympics after winning the women's 100-meter race at the United States track trials.

The out 24-year-old sprinter finished the Saturday race in first place with a time of 10.71 seconds, maintaining her status as the fastest woman in the world and solidifying her spot in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Richardson began pounding her chest in celebration moments before she crossed the finish line, quickly going to her grandmother afterwards for a crushing hug.

“I feel honored. I feel every chapter I’ve been through in my life prepared me for this moment," Richardson said following her victory, via multiple outlets. "The emotion was just joy because of the hard work I put in, not just physically on the track, but mentally and emotionally to grow into the mature young lady I am today."

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Richardson was slated to compete at the Tokyo Olympics after she won the 100-meter final at the U.S trials three years ago, just one week after her mother passed away. She later tested positive for THC, one of the active components of cannabis, and received a one-month suspension which prevented her from competing that year. Richardson said at the time that she had smoked marijuana to cope with her mother's death, coupled with the pressure of competing on such a large stage.

The athlete has spent the years since vigorously training under the mentality of “I’m Not Back, I’m Better.” She solidified her growth when she won the 100-meter world title at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Hungary, finishing with a personal best of 10.65 seconds and officially becoming the fastest woman alive.

“I’d say the message I’m sending out is to believe in yourself no matter what,” Richardson continued. “You want to remain solid in yourself. Stay grounded in yourself and your hard work.”