Sha’Carri Richardson is the fastest woman in the world at the 100-meter distance so far this year. However, she failed to qualify for Team USA in the 200-meter and will not run the double at the Olympics in Paris.
A yellow card scare in the semifinals might’ve been the reason for her poor performance in the final. Let’s break it down!
Richardson posted a blazing fast time in the 100-meter final back on the 22nd to secure her spot on the team. She will be the gold medal favorite in the marquee event next month.
The 24-year-old sprinter followed up her strong performance in the 100 with a personal best of 21.92 during the 200-meter semifinal. It was a really great run that put the world on notice.
Although Richardson is not known to have the best starts in the world, the one on Friday was really strong. She got out of the blocks in a hurry, which catalyzed a blowout win.
However, it was more problematic than it looked in real-time.
Sha’Carri Richardson was in her head.
Richardson was issued a yellow card for a lane violation in the semifinals. Her left foot came down on the inside line as she turned the corner into the straightaway.
Fortunately, the violation did not result in a disqualification. World Athletics changed the rules regarding lane infringements in 2021 and allowed athletes to step on the line once per event.
Unfortunately, the lane violation and subsequent yellow card seemingly got to Richardson’s head.
Gabby Thomas, Brittany Brown and McKenzie Long beat her in the final on Saturday night to secure their spots on Team USA. The 100-meter champion finished fourth and will not run the event in France.
Sha’Carri Richardson’s final race was not nearly as smooth as the previous round. She made a conscious effort to stay away from the inside line after picking up a yellow card and it pushed her way out wide.
As a result of the subconscious hesitation, Richardson did not hug the line tight enough and did not get into the straightaway as fast as she would have liked. Thomas, Brown and Long were too fast out of the turn and could not be caught.