Sha’Carri Richardson wins 100, claims fastest woman in world title
Sha’Carri Richardson proclaimed, “I’m not back, I’m better” this season. She put an exclamation point on that statement at the 2023 track and field world championships Monday in Budapest, Hungary.
The charismatic sprinter is officially the fastest woman in the world. Richardson ran a 10.65 to win her first ever world title in the women’s 100 meters. Her time set a championship record, breaking the mark held by Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce by .02 seconds.
Jamaica's Shericka Jackson finished second with a time of 10.72 and Fraser-Pryce placed third, crossing the line in 10.77.
Richardson is the first American woman to win a 100-meter world title since the late Tori Bowie won gold at the 2017 worlds. She joined fellow American Noah Lyles as 2023 100-meter world champions. Lyles won gold in the men's 100 meters in Sunday's final. It's the first time Americans have swept the 100-meter world titles since 2017 when Bowie and Justin Gatlin both topped the podium in the event in London.
Richardson fought hard to even qualify for the women's final. She placed third in her semifinal heat and had to rely on her time (10.84) to advance to the final. After her semifinal race, she had a few minutes to talk to her coach, Dennis Mitchell, about improving her start.
In the final round from lane 9, Richardson got off to a better start and surged by the other sprinters during her drive and acceleration phases. When she crossed the line, she lifted her arms up in celebration.
“This journey for me, from since I first came on the professional level [in 2019] to now is just knowing that no matter what happens, you never lose sight of yourself,” Richardson said, according to NBC Sports. “Never lose sight of your faith. Always remember why you started.”
Richardson has more races to come in Budapest. Her agent, Renaldo Nehemiah, told NBC Sports that she's chasing three gold medals at these worlds. The 200 starts Wednesday and the 4x100 relay is Saturday.
The 23-year-old sprinter made headlines in 2021 when she was suspended for one month after testing positive for marijuana at the U.S. Olympic trials. Due to the positive test, which she said came after she was struggling emotionally, Richardson missed the Tokyo Olympics that summer.
Two years later, Richardson proved that she’s back and better on the track — as the newly crowned world champion.
Grant Holloway wins third world title in 110-meter hurdles
Holloway won his third consecutive world championship gold in the men's 110-meter hurdles.
Holloway ran a season-best 12.96 to win the race. Jamaican Hansle Parchment came in second, running a 13.07. American Daniel Roberts took home the bronze in 13.09.
The 25-year-old Holloway got a great start out of the blocks and maintained his lead to win. He gestured the number three with his hands moments after he crossed the line.
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on Twitter @TheTylerDragon.