In a surprising turn of events, Sha’Carri Richardson, one of Team USA’s most prominent track and field athletes, will not be competing in the women’s 200m event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This development comes as a significant blow to Richardson, who had high hopes of showcasing her speed and skill on the grandest stage.
Richardson, a Dallas native, already made waves by winning a silver medal in the 100m final. However, her journey in the 200m event was cut short at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials held in Oregon on June 29, 2024. Despite her impressive track record, Richardson finished fourth in the trials, just missing the cutoff for the Olympic team in this event. The top three spots went to Gabby Thomas, Brittany Brown, and McKenzie Long, who will now represent the United States in the 200m at the Paris Games.
At 24, Richardson is no stranger to the pressures and challenges of international competition. She earned a bronze medal in the 200m at the 2023 World Championships, solidifying her status as one of the world’s elite sprinters. Nevertheless, the dream of adding an Olympic medal in the 200m to her collection will have to wait for another cycle.
Richardson’s exclusion from the 200m event at the Olympics is undoubtedly a setback, but it does not mark the end of her Olympic journey. She remains a crucial part of Team USA’s plans, having already secured a silver medal in the 100m. Additionally, she is expected to compete in the women’s 4x100m relay, an event where Team USA has historically performed well.
The women’s 4x100m relay will kick off with the first round at 5:10 a.m. ET on Thursday, August 8. The finals are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET on Friday, August 9, where Richardson and her teammates will have the opportunity to vie for Olympic glory.
Fans and supporters can catch Richardson’s remaining events live on NBC, Peacock, and through streaming on NBCOlympics.com. As Richardson continues to compete, her journey serves as a testament to her resilience and determination. While her exclusion from the 200m is a disappointment, her achievements and ongoing contributions to Team USA remind us that the path to greatness is often paved with challenges and setbacks.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics unfold, all eyes will be on Sha’Carri Richardson, not just for her performance on the track, but for her spirit and perseverance in the face of adversity.
