The world of track and field cheered Sha’Carri Richardson’s name when Nike took to X and stated, “Sha’Carri Richardson knows her place. It’s first.” The X post had a voice note of Richardson, which went like, “People will be quick to tell you need to learn your place. So I did. It’s first.” Her confidence was iconic, but it was only natural. After all, she’s clocked in at 10.75 mark with a tailwind of +1.6 m/s back in 2019, as a 19-year-old. But can the rising teen sensation, Kelly Doualla, touch Richardson’s record? 

Well, not really! It’s true that Doualla dominated the 100m race at the European Under-20 Athletics Championships, clocking in just 11.22 seconds. But that’s still significantly far away from the American U-20 records. Why? Because right after Richardson, the second spot is taken up by Tamari Davis, for running the 100m in 10.83 seconds in 2022. Despite her efforts and impressive win at the European Championships, Doualla still ranks at number 89, with around 43 American athletes ranking above her. 

Nevertheless, the 15-year-old athlete is still young and has a long journey ahead of her. And who knows, she might topple Richardson’s records in the future. Till then, she keeps stargazing at the 25-year-old sprinter. During a conversation with Gazzetta Dello Sport, the Italian teenager claimed (as translated by Google), “I like Shelly-Ann Fraser, Sha’Carri Richardson, Tara Davis and, among Italians, Filippo Tortu.” 

Now, as competition continues to grow, Sha’Carri Richardson needs to stay focused. And the crosshairs are all set at the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics. 

Sha’Carri Richardson remains focused on the 2028 LA Olympics

We already know about Sha’Carri Richardson’s admirable confidence. But during a conversation with For The Win, she stated, “So, right now I’m looking forward to World Championships in Tokyo as the reigning world champion in the 100m in September, and as well as from there, definitely building off of that momentum to go to 2028, and continue to represent myself, hard work, my team and of course, my country, Team USA.”

Needless to say, there was a sense of pride in her voice as she talked about representing Team USA. The 25-year-old double world champion continued, “To have the brand Team USA across my chest represents a level of pride ― that I am as a Black woman, knowing that where I come from ― [which] continues to represent a certain level of resilience that my I am my ancestors wildest dreams, and I will continue to, you know, open that door up to anybody that feels like that door has been closed on them.” 

Be it a 4x100m relay, a 100m dash, or a 200m race, Sha’Carri Richardson has always displayed a strong stance on the tracks. But can she maintain the same level of excellence at the upcoming LA Olympics? Or will Kelly Doualla finally overtake her and break her record? Let’s let time reveal the details. Until then, let’s celebrate the 15-year-old’s blazing win.