Richardson Wins The 100m, Punching His Ticket To The Olympics In Paris

On Saturday, Sha’Carri Richardson secured her spot in the Olympics by winning the 100-meter final at the U.S. trials. Meanwhile, Noah Lyles easily advanced through the first round of the men’s competition.

Midway through the race, the world champion took the lead and went on an explosive final stretch to win in a world-record time of 10.71 seconds. Melissa Jefferson finished second in 10.80 seconds, while Twanisha Terry finished third in 10.89 seconds.

Three years ago, a positive cannabis test destroyed the fan favorite’s hopes of competing in the Tokyo Olympics, but she was able to get past the painful memories as she enjoyed the enthusiastic applause of the Eugene, Oregon crowd.

“I feel honoured. I feel everything, every chapter I’ve been through in my life… prepared me for this moment,” she explained in a televised interview after the race.

Since Richardson would be travelling to Paris with her training partners, Jefferson and Terry, the moment was even more meaningful to her. After crossing the finish line at Hayward Field, the three of them shared an enormous smile.

“I cannot wait to go to Paris and represent,” explained Richardson, who went into the stands to hug her grandmother after the win. “It was a great race.”

Richardson has also been entered to race in the 200-meter event; the longer sprint’s preliminary heats are scheduled on Thursday.

Lyles began his trials campaign with musician Snoop Dogg sitting next to his mother in the spectators. Lyles got off to a quick start and produced the quickest time over the initial heats in 9.92.

Lyles told reporters that it was the greatest he had ever felt in a first-round 100-meter race. Lyles completed the sprint double in Budapest last year.

“It was definitely the start I was looking for,” he explained. “I’m really proud of what I’ve put together.”

Kenny Bednarek, the 200-meter Olympic silver winner, and Fred Kerley, the 2022 world champion, both made it to the semifinals.

After overcoming several injuries earlier in the year, world record holder Ryan Crouser won the men’s shot put competition with a best throw of 22.84 metres. Payton Otterdahl came in third and Joe Kovacs, his biggest competitor, came in second with a throw of 22.43 metres.

“It was a tough spring to say the least,” explained Crouser, who hopes to make a third consecutive gold in Paris. “So I’m just happy to be out here competing again.”

Women’s triple jump champion Jasmine Moore won with a final effort of 14.26 metres, followed by Keturah Orji in second place with 14.22 and world bronze winner Tori Franklin in third place with a leap of 13.72.