Competitors Richardson and Lyles successfully advance in the 100-meter sprint preliminary races during the US National Track and Field Championships
In the lead-up to the Tokyo Olympics, American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson was in top form, but a one-month suspension due to a positive marijuana test at the 2021 U.S. Olympic trials disqualified her from participating at the Games [1][2]. The suspension meant she missed the opportunity to showcase her form directly at the Tokyo Olympics.
However, Richardson has since made a strong comeback to high-level competition. She recently won the 100 meters at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest and earned a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Games, as well as contributing to a 4×100 relay Olympic gold [1]. These impressive results suggest that Richardson has returned to and maintained elite sprinting form well after the Tokyo Olympics.
Recently, Richardson competed in a heat at Hayward Field, finishing second with a time of 11.07 seconds. Despite this, her time was the 11th fastest of the opening heats. On the other hand, Richardson's performance at the Prefontaine Classic at Eugene earlier in July was less impressive, as she finished ninth with a time of 11.19 seconds.
Elsewhere, the men's 100m saw world champion Trayvon Bromell win his heat with a time of 10.05 seconds. Kenny Bednarek posted the quickest time in the men's 100m heats with a time of 9.95 seconds. In the women's 800m, Athing Mu-Nikolayev qualified for the next round with a time of 2:00.06 seconds.
Meanwhile, Olympic women's long jump champion Tara Davis-Woodhall won her event despite fouling on her first two jumps. Her winning jump of 7.12m was a world-leading mark. Melissa Jefferson-Wooden ran the fastest time in the opening heats of the women's 100m with a time of 10.86 seconds.
In other news, reigning champion Sha'Carri Richardson has booked her ticket to Tokyo for the Olympics. Richardson expressed satisfaction with her performance at the recent heat, stating, "Felt amazing to run a qualifying, show fitness, and take the rest of the time to get ready for Tokyo."
Garrett Lyles, another American sprinter, is also looking to make an impact at the Tokyo Olympics. Lyles started the season late due to injury and has seen encouraging signs that he is rounding back to full fitness. He has been using this weekend to get as much racing under his belt as possible, even though he was under no obligation to run given his bye. Lyles was beaten in his first 100m of the season at the London Diamond League on July 19, but he is looking to get as many races as possible before the Olympics.
Lyles and his coach decided to race at trials after the 100 in London. Lyles is relaxed about being under the radar and not being a favorite in the betting stakes. He is using this weekend to get as much racing under his belt as possible, even though he was under no obligation to run given his bye. Richardson, too, is comfortable competing knowing her World Championship berth is assured.
References:
[1] Associated Press. (2023). Sha'Carri Richardson wins 100m at World Championships. ESPN. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/athletics/story/_/id/36783404/sha-carri-richardson-wins-100m-world-championships
[2] Associated Press. (2021). Sha'Carri Richardson suspended one month for positive marijuana test. ESPN. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/32337158/sha-carri-richardson-suspended-one-month-positive-marijuana-test-us-olympic-trials
Despite a suspension that prevented her from participating in the Tokyo Olympics, American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson has made a strong comeback to high-level competition, recently winning the 100 meters at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest.
Currently, Garrett Lyles, another American sprinter, is looking to make an impact at the Tokyo Olympics and is using this weekend to get as much racing under his belt as possible, even though he was under no obligation to run given his bye.
