Sha'Carri Richardson becomes women's 100m champion

Sha’Carri Richardson becomes new women’s 100m world champion, beats Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in Budapest

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica, who was seeking a remarkable sixth world 100m title at 36, had to settle for bronze in 10.77s.

Sha'Carri Richardson of the United States overcame the difficulty of being stuck in lane nine by unleashing a late push to win the global 100 metres gold on Monday, making good on three years of promise.

Shericka Jackson of Jamaica, who won silver in 10.72 seconds, was overtaken by Richardson, who finished in 10.65.

After a season marred by injuries, Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who was attempting an unprecedented sixth world 100m title at the age of 36, was forced to accept third place in 10.77.

 

Richardson, 23, missed the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 after testing positive for cannabis and then failed to qualify for last year’s worlds on home soil in Eugene

Despite Jackson having the quickest time of 10.65 entering Budapest, she was in terrific form this year despite being incredibly well-liked on social media and consistently a loud and colourfully dressed competitor.

Richardson, though, appeared to be continuing her world championship woes when she was left in the blocks in the semifinals earlier on Monday. She had to work incredibly hard to finish third and make it into the final as a fast loser.

Richardson was consequently handed lane nine, which is seldom a favourite among sprinters, but she had a much better start in the final and kept her attention away from the traffic.

Jackson, in lane 4, had established a significant lead and was still in front after 80 metres when Richardson sped by and raised her arm in victory. The American's time was a championship record and matched Jackson's 2023 best.

Richardson is the first US winner of the women’s 100m since the triumph in 2017 of Tori Bowie, who died this year aged 32.