The track and field world is currently at UCLA Drake Stadium in Los Angeles for the 2023 season. The stadium hosted the USA Track & Field (USTF) LA Grand Prix, a massive athletic competition that included everything from 100-meter dashes to javelin throws and beyond for both men and women. A major surprise occurred in the women’s 100-meter dash finals when favorites Sha’Carri Richardson, Marie-Josee Ta Lou, and Aleia Hobbs all dropped out.

This was first popularized by a social media post by sports enthusiast Jonathan Gault. The Los Angeles Grand Prix is one of the most anticipated events for track and field enthusiasts, so this upset is reasonable.

Tracks felt empty as Sha’Carri Richardson and others left

The crowd at Drake Stadium went absolutely wild as Sha’Carri Richardson sprinted over the finish line in 10.90 seconds during the qualifying rounds. As a result, she was among the frontrunners in the women’s 100-meter final. One of the most prominent athletes in track and field, however, had to withdraw from the finals because she allegedly had cramps during the practice session.

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But that wasn’t the end of the shocks for the American fans; Aleia Hobbs also had to withdraw from the finals for mysterious reasons. It was a great surprise for the locals since Hobbs had already shown her strength by winning the heat in under 11 seconds. Marie-Josee Ta Lou of Ivory Coast, who clocked in at a blistering 10.86 seconds during qualifying, also sat out the final. Sports fanatic Jonathan Gault tweeted about the situation, noting how deserted the lanes were when the stars withdrew their names from the finals.

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The winner of the LA Grand Prix final

There was still hope for the remaining American competitors to bring home the gold after Sha’Carri Richardson and Aleia Hobbs dropped out of the finals. All eyes were on the remaining American runners, Morolake Akinosun, Melissa Jefferson, Celera Barnes, and Mikiah Brisco.

With a final round timing of 10.97 seconds, about 0.10 seconds faster than the runner-up, Morolake Akinosun won the women’s 100-meter dash. Melissa Jefferson came in second with a time of 11.07 seconds. However, World U20 leader Alana Reid took third place with a timing of 11.08 seconds, barely 0.01 seconds behind the runner-up. The home audience was ecstatic when two Americans finished first and second.

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Although Sha’Carri Richardson was unable to participate, another American athlete was able to win the event and bring home the gold, much to the delight of the home audience.