Sha-Carri Richardson is back to competing and is not messing around.
The 23-year-old track and field star came flying to the finish line Friday night, claiming the winning title at the U.S. Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon. The athlete won the women's 100-meter final with a 10.82 time.
Before Richardson took off for her race on Friday, she pulled off her iconic orange wig and tossed it to the side as her name was called, showcasing her braided hair underneath. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, as Richardson stayed focused and ready to speed down the track.
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With Richardson's win this week at Hayward Field, she has secured her spot in the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary next month. On Thursday, Richardson ran the fastest 100m time for an American woman since 2011, with a time of 10.71.
Richardson caught the public's attention in 2020 for her immense talent after winning the women’s 100-meter at the 2020 United States Olympic trials — all while sporting her signature bright wig and dazzling long nails. The world fell in love with her confidence and determination. Richardson's slot in the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo was ripped away after she was disqualified for a positive drug test for marijuana. Richardson said at the time that she used the drug legally in the state of Oregon while mourning the loss of her mother.
After that devastating blow, Richardson is back to competing and will hopefully qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
“I’m ready mentally, physically, and emotionally, and I’m here to stay,” Richardson told reporters in a post-race interview. “I'm not back, I'm better.”
