Sha’Carri Richardson made history in Australia last weekend having won the women’s division of the prestigious Stawell Gift.
Richardson, the silver medalist in the 100 meters at the 2024 Paris Olympics, surged through the field on Sunday, April 5, to win the final of the 144th edition of the event, held annually in a small Australian town near Melbourne.
Richardson’s win was historic because she became just the third woman in the race’s history to win from “scratch.” Under the rules, Richardson was required to run the entire 120-meter distance, while other competitors were given what amounts to a head start.
According to reports from the scene, Richardson caught the field at the 90-meter mark before pulling away to win in a time of 13.15 seconds.
“Just make sure I’m patient that first 10-meters like my coach today told me, and just executing the rest,” Richardson told Seven Network television after the race. “I think I realized I was going to win right past 90.”
Richardson and her boyfriend, former 100 meter world champion Christian Coleman, were the star attractions at the race.
