30 meters from the finish line, Sha’Carri Richardson pointed at the clock. A few powerful strides later, she blazed through the line to win her semifinal heat of the women’s 100m at the US Olympic Trials in 10.64 seconds.
In that moment she let us all know that Sha’Carri had arrived.
The former LSU star and current princess of US sprinting has been wowing track fans for almost two years. With her bright hairstyles, infectious smile, and unabated confidence, Richardson has left a trail of smoke at every track in her brief yet inspiring career.
In 2018, Sha’Carri was the number one track recruit in the nation. She signed with LSU and immediately opened eyes.
As a freshman in 2019, she rewrote the record books. At the NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships, she clocked a 10.75 in the 100m, breaking the collegiate record (10.78) set by LSU’s Dawn Sewell 30 years prior. That mark made her the fastest junior sprinter ever and placed her in ninth place in the all-time 100m record book. About an hour later, she took second in the 200m with a time of 22.17, besting Alyson Felix’s world junior record of 22.18
All as a freshman.
Less than a week later on June 12th, Sha’Carrri announced she was turning pro on IG.
“After talking to family and praying for guidance with this decision, I would like to announce that I have decided to pursue my lifelong dream and become a professional athlete,” wrote Richardson in her post.
Her potential was easy to recognize. She starred at Dallas Carter High School, winning four individual state titles in Texas. She was a two-time Texas Relays champ in the 100m and placed fourth in the 100m in 2018.
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