Sha’Carri Richardson has officially claimed her place as an Olympic champion.
Running the anchor leg for Team USA’s women’s 4x100m relay team, Richardson took a somewhat tricky baton pass from 200m gold medalist Gabby Thomas and then unleashed a breathtaking burst of speed on Friday night. The Texan, displaying sheer power and determination, left her competitors far behind as she stormed down the final stretch to secure victory.
The moment Richardson grabbed the baton, it was as if she had tapped into an unstoppable force, charging ahead with a momentum that was almost palpable. Although Team USA wasn’t leading at the third exchange, Richardson’s explosive speed quickly turned the tables, giving her enough of a lead to confidently glance to her right before crossing the finish line—assured that she had dominated the competition.
Adding to the intensity, a sudden downpour turned the Stade de France into a rain-soaked arena just before the final, making Richardson’s performance even more remarkable. In conditions that could have derailed lesser athletes, Richardson’s flawless run was reminiscent of Prince’s legendary Super Bowl halftime performance in the rain—pure perfection despite the elements.
Team USA clinched the gold with a time of 41.78 seconds, narrowly edging out Great Britain, who took silver just .07 seconds behind. But Richardson’s commanding performance made that slim margin feel like a landslide.
For Richardson, this gold medal is not just a triumph on the track but also a personal redemption story. After being disqualified from the Tokyo Olympics due to a positive marijuana test, this victory serves as a powerful comeback and a moment of vindication.
The win was especially poignant for Richardson’s family. Her grandmother, Betty Harp—affectionately known as “Big Momma”—who has a fear of flying, made the trip to Paris to witness her granddaughter’s triumph. In 2021, “Big Momma” was there to embrace Richardson when she believed she had qualified for Tokyo. Now, she was present to see her receive her first Olympic gold, turning a painful past into a moment of joy.
Despite the challenging weather, it was an unforgettable Olympic moment for Team USA, which featured an all-star lineup of sprinters. Richardson, who had already won silver in the 100m, teamed up with Melissa Jefferson (100m bronze), Gabby Thomas (200m gold), and Twanisha Terry to deliver a golden finish. Richardson’s incredible anchor leg sealed the deal, writing a triumphant new chapter in her Olympic story.
