American sprinting sensation Sha’Carri Richardson delivered a historic performance at the iconic Stawell Gift, overcoming a nine-meter handicap to secure victory in a thrilling finish.
Making her debut in the 148-year-old Australian event, the 26-year-old Richardson started from the ‘scratch’ mark, meaning she had to run the full 120 meters and overtake the entire field. She edged out 19-year-old Australian Charlotte Nielsen in the closing stages to claim the win, clocking a time of 13.08 seconds—the fastest women’s time in Stawell Gift history.
“I think I realised I was going to win right past 90 metres,” Richardson told Australia’s Seven Network. “This is one of the most exciting, fun and entertaining track meets I’ve ever ran in… the love and support for track and field is unbeatable.”
Richardson’s victory earns her a prize of 40,000 Australian dollars (approximately US$27,500), capping a three-day competition in the rural town of Stawell that featured more than 700 competitors and total prize money of A$155,000 (£81,000).
The Stawell Gift, first held in 1878, is renowned for its handicapped format, where athletes are given a head start based on form and ability. Previous global sprinting champions, including Jamaica’s Asafa Powell, Britain’s Linford Christie, and Australian icon Cathy Freeman, have competed at the event.
Richardson’s partner, American sprinter Christian Coleman, holder of the indoor 60m world record, competed in the men’s event but was eliminated in the semi-finals. The men’s final was won by 21-year-old Australian Olufemi Komolafe, starting from a five-meter handicap and finishing in 11.93 seconds.
Richardson’s triumph marks her as only the third woman in history to win the Stawell Gift from the back of the field, cementing her legacy as a rising global sprinting superstar.
