‘She’s Capable of 10.5’- Justin Gatlin Believes Sha’Carri Richardson Can Beat Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

Published 08/27/2021, 9:37 AM EDT

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No other athlete quite has the spotlight like Sha’Carri Richardson. For her on-field accolades as much as the off-field stuff. The American sprinter returned to the track for the Nike Prefontaine Classic in Oregon. After making a much-awaited comeback, the athlete finished last in the 100-meter race. The embarrassing moment was her post-race interview which left a sour taste for everyone involved. Justin Gatlin, however, thinks otherwise.

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Sha’Carri Richardson finishes last

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After her recent ban by the World Anti-Doping Agency, Richardson made her comeback during the Prefontaine Classic race. Due to the ban, she missed out on the Tokyo Olympics, and her return was much awaited.

In a race that featured the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Elaine Thompson-Herah, Richardson could not find her mojo and finished last amongst all the competitors. Moreover, 34-year-old Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce won the silver medal while Shericka Jackson proved yet another 1-2-3 for Jamaica in the finals. Significantly, Richardson went on a post-race rant where she lost complete control of her emotions.

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“I Know What I’m Able to Do”- Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Reveals How She Did Not Let Age Stop Her at Tokyo Olympics 2020

Justin Gatlin offers words of encouragement

However, American sprinter Justin Gatlin gave out his opinions on the matter. And he believes she is a star in the making.

“You know what it feels like to celebrate and win. Now you know what it feels like to lose on the big stage too. She’s capable of running 10.5. I’ve seen her do it at practice.”

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“To watch it is almost like, as being a male athlete, you still in awe because, you see the numbers put out there. I have never seen a female athlete do it. And to be honest, not taking anything away from Shelly-Ann and Elaine for what they have done, but she is the most amazing training partner I have ever had. She is just awe in practice,” said Gatlin.

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Strong words from the former Olympic gold medalist. The potential is there for everyone to see. Justin Gatlin’s advice to Richardson seems to be from his heart as everyone is aware of her potential. Can she overcome all the odds and perform well in the next event?

WATCH THIS STORY- Top 10 Greatest Moments in Olympic History

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Jacob Gijy

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Jacob Gijy is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Gijy finished his Masters in Counselling Psychology and worked in a hospital for 2 years before his passion for sports compelled him to find his way to sports journalism. A fan of the great Tim Duncan, he is always ready to pick up a debate with anyone who does not offer the centre the respect he deserves.
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