The coronation started with a bang, the opening salvo rippling through the air like a kite. Sha’Carri Richardson stood on the other side of the track, undaunted, unconquered and unstoppable as she flew across the track.
Her feet barely touched the surface. And yet, by the time she reached the finish line, she had an entirely new distinction, one that seemed worlds away when she was caught up in the mire of unjust penalties and hateful comments two years prior: world champion.
Richardson sprinted to glory on Monday, racing past her competition — which included Jamaican legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson to capture gold in the 100 meters at the World Championships. With her win, Richardson etched her name in track history; her 10.65-second time was a World Championship record, surpassing Fraser-Pryce’s 10.67 time from last year’s iteration of the event.
It was a coronation of sorts for Richardson, who mimicked placing a crown on her head after leaving her competition in the dust on the outside lane.
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Richardson’s showing cemented her status as one of the fastest women in the history of the sport. But just where does she rank among the greats? Here’s what you need to know.
