Sha’Carri Richardson’s decision to enter the 200 m had raised hopes that she might chase a sprint double. But those hopes were dashed today. The reigning 100 m world champion lined up in lane 7 for Heat 2 of the 200 m at the USATF Championships, facing competitors like Madison Whyte and McKenzie Long. At the gun, Sha’Carri got a quick start from the blocks, an area she’s been working hard to improve, as the commentator noted the same. But as the race progressed, things didn’t unfold as expected, and her performance ultimately fell short of the mark fans were hoping for. However, there is one stat that she definitely nailed!

From the start, it was clear Sha’Carri Richardson wasn’t in contention for coming first. McKenzie Long quickly pulled away, and even second place was out of reach by the curve. The real fight was for third, with Richardson and Madison Whyte locked in a tight battle to the line. But in the end, it wasn’t enough. Sha’Carri finished fourth in 22.56 seconds. But an interesting scenario has been found in her defeat that can be worrying for Jamaica.

What if we tell you that Sha’carri Richardson’s 22.56 would have made her the National Champion at Jamaican Trials? Yes, you heard that right. At the 2025 JAAA National Trials in Kingston, Ashanti Moore won the women’s 200 m senior final in 22.66 seconds, with Gabrielle Matthews second in 22.80s, and Roneisha McGreggor third in 22.86s. Clearly, Richardson is faster than the Jamaican 200m national title holder. Jamaica might have to frown here a bit if they want the gold at the World Championships.

The obvious inclination from this fact is that the athlete who ranked 9th among all the athletes across three heats of the 200m at the USATF Championships is still faster than the Jamaican national champion in the same discipline. So, there are eight Americans faster than the Jamaican national champion. Now, if we put Melissa Jefferson‑Wooden ( 22.06 s), McKenzie Long (22.12 s), and Gabby Thomas (22.19s) here, the worrying turns gruesome. But let’s not forget the 2023 World Champion in the 200m.

The fastest woman alive over the women’s 200 m is Shericka Jackson of Jamaica; her lifetime best of 21.41 s (set at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest) is the second-fastest legal time ever recorded, behind only Florence Griffith-Joyner’s 21.34s from 1988. She did not race at the nationals because she has a BYE for 200m at Tokyo. But without her Jamaicans are in danger.

Jamaican domination might be in danger…

From 2011 to 2023, Jamaican women didn’t just compete in the 200 meters at the World Championships; they owned it. It started with Veronica Campbell-Brown in 2011, blazing to gold in 22.22 seconds in Daegu. Two years later, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce kept the momentum going in Moscow, clocking 22.17 seconds and standing proudly atop the podium. Then came Shericka Jackson, who took things to another level. In 2022, she stunned the world with a blistering 21.45 seconds. As if that wasn’t enough, she returned in 2023 and ran even faster, 21.41 seconds, solidifying her place in history.

While Sha’Carri Richardson finishing fourth in her heat raised eyebrows, her 22.56 was still faster than Jamaica’s national champion — and that’s where the real story begins. Because if Sha’Carri wasn’t even close to qualifying in the U.S., what does that say about the athletes who did? Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Gabby Thomas, both running well under 22.2, are shaping up to be real threats. If Shericka Jackson falters or doesn’t hit top form, Jamaica could find itself vulnerable.

Lets just say that this isn’t just about one bad heat or one fast time. It’s a sign that the U.S. women are closing the gap. And maybe even flipping the script. If Jackson blinks, there are at least two Americans ready to take her place. Share your thoughts!