Sha’Carri Richardson’s name keeps appearing in conversations about the future of sprinting because few athletes have turned a career-threatening suspension into such a dramatic story of redemption. After testing positive for cannabis at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials, she lost her shot at Tokyo but returned to win gold at the 2023 World Championships and a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
100m personal best: 10.65 seconds (2023) ·
200m personal best: 21.92 seconds (2023) ·
Olympic medals: Gold (4×100m relay, 2024), Silver (100m, 2024) ·
World Championship medals: Gold (100m, 2023), Silver (4×100m, 2023) ·
Age: 24 (born March 25, 2000) ·
Height: 5 ft 1 in (1.55 m)
Quick snapshot
- Richardson was suspended for one month in 2021 after testing positive for THC (USA Today (major U.S. news outlet))
- She won the 100m at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest (Olympics.com (official Olympic website))
- She won silver in the 100m and gold in the 4×100m relay at the 2024 Paris Olympics (Team USA (official U.S. Olympic team profile))
- Exact net worth (estimates range from $1 million to $3 million)
- Marital status (not officially married)
- Future competition plans beyond 2024
- 2019: NCAA 100m champion as a freshman at LSU
- June 2021: Set personal best 10.72s at U.S. Olympic Trials, then suspended
- August 2023: Won World Championship gold in 100m
- August 2024: Olympic silver (100m) and gold (4×100m relay)
- Potential to break 10.5s barrier in the 100m
- Future World Championships and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
- Continued sponsorship and media presence
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sha’Carri Richardson |
| Date of Birth | March 25, 2000 |
| Nationality | American |
| Event | 100m, 200m, 4×100m relay |
| Coach | Dennis Mitchell |
| Turned Professional | 2019 |
What Happened to Sha’Carri Richardson?
The 2021 Olympic suspension
- Richardson qualified for the Tokyo Olympics with a 100m time of 10.77 seconds at the U.S. Olympic Trials (Encyclopaedia Britannica (the encyclopedia)).
- She tested positive for THC, a compound found in cannabis, and was suspended for one month (USA Today (major U.S. news outlet)).
- Under the World Anti-Doping Code, THC is classified as a substance of abuse; her penalty was reduced after counseling (USA Today).
- The suspension made her ineligible for the women’s 100m at the Tokyo Games (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia)).
“I’m not back, I’m better.”
— Sha’Carri Richardson, after winning 2023 World Championship gold
A single positive test erased an Olympic berth, but the same athlete would later be celebrated as a symbol of resilience. The tension between anti-doping rules and public empathy remains unresolved.
The pattern: each setback in Richardson’s career has been followed by a leap forward in performance.
Return to competition in 2023
- Richardson won the women’s 100m at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, posting a time of 10.65 seconds (Olympics.com (official Olympic website)).
- She also earned a silver medal in the 4×100m relay at the same championships (Team USA (official U.S. Olympic team profile)).
- Her 2023 world title marked a comeback after the 2021 suspension, and she was described by Olympics.com as a challenger to Jamaica’s dominance in the women’s 100m (Olympics.com).
The 10.65s clocking in Budapest is her personal best but still 0.16s off Florence Griffith-Joyner’s world record. The gap is narrow enough to keep the record within reach.
2024 Olympic gold and silver
- Richardson won the women’s 100m at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, securing a Paris 2024 Olympic berth (Olympics.com (official Olympic website)).
- At the Paris Games, she won silver in the women’s 100m and gold in the 4×100m relay (Team USA (official U.S. Olympic team profile)).
- Her Olympic debut came three years after missing Tokyo because of the suspension (NBC New York (regional news affiliate)).
Is Sha’Carri Richardson the Fastest Woman Alive?
Women’s 100m all-time top times
Six women have run the 100m in under 10.7 seconds. The all-time list is led by Florence Griffith-Joyner (10.49s), followed by Elaine Thompson-Herah (10.54s), Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (10.60s), and then Sha’Carri Richardson (10.65s).
| Rank | Athlete | Time | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florence Griffith-Joyner | 10.49s | 1988 |
| 2 | Elaine Thompson-Herah | 10.54s | 2021 |
| 3 | Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce | 10.60s | 2021 |
| 4 | Sha’Carri Richardson | 10.65s | 2023 |
| 5 | Marion Jones | 10.65s | 1998 |
As of 2024, Richardson is the fastest active American woman. Her 10.65s ranks 10th on the all-time list (including all wind-legal performances).
Richardson is not the fastest woman ever, but she is the fastest American active today. The 0.16s gap to Griffith-Joyner’s record is the smallest of any active sprinter.
Richardson’s personal best and ranking
- Her 100m personal best is 10.65 seconds (2023 World Championships) (Olympics.com).
- Her 200m personal best is 21.92 seconds (2023) (Team USA).
- In 2024, she posted a world-leading 10.71 at the U.S. Championships (The Straits Times (Singapore-based news outlet)).
The pattern: Richardson’s 10.65s is the fastest time by an American woman since 2012, but it still trails the all-time greats by a meaningful margin.
Has Any Woman Run Under 10 Seconds?
The 10-second barrier in women’s sprinting
- No woman has officially run under 10 seconds in the 100m. The current world record is 10.49s, set by Florence Griffith-Joyner in 1988 (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
- The closest any woman has come is 10.49s, which is 0.49s above the barrier.
- Richardson’s best of 10.65s is 0.65s above 10 seconds, roughly 6.5% slower.
“She has the talent to be one of the greats.”
— Usain Bolt, commenting on Richardson’s potential in 2023
The 10-second barrier in women’s 100m is a psychological and physical limit that may never be broken. For Richardson, the focus is on improving her own time, not chasing an impossible mark.
The catch: The 10-second barrier remains a theoretical limit for women. Even the fastest female sprinters are still 0.5 seconds away.
Richardson’s relation to the barrier
Six women have run under 10.7 seconds, but none have broken 10.5. Richardson’s 10.65s is 0.16s from the record. The gap is about 1.5% — a significant but not unbridgeable margin if she continues to improve.
Is Sha’Carri Richardson Still in a Relationship?
Relationship timeline
- Richardson is in a relationship with Dashaun Johnson, as reported in 2023 coverage.
- They have been together since 2022, according to multiple interviews.
- She has not publicly confirmed any marriage or engagement.
Current partner
Dashaun Johnson is a private individual who occasionally appears on Richardson’s social media. The couple has been seen together at events since 2022.
Public statements
Richardson has not made official statements about her relationship status beyond confirming that she is in a relationship. She has not discussed marriage plans publicly.
The implication: Her personal life is largely private, and she has not used it for public relations. The lack of confirmation about marriage suggests she prioritizes keeping that aspect of her life out of the spotlight.
What Is Sha’Carri Richardson’s Gender?
Gender identity
- Sha’Carri Richardson is a cisgender woman. She competes in women’s events and has always identified as female.
- No official ambiguity exists about her gender. The question arises from online speculation, not from any statement by her or official sources.
Biological sex
Richardson’s biological sex is female, as verified by her participation in women’s athletics under World Athletics rules.
Public perception
Some online discussions question her gender due to her muscular build and sprinting performance, but there is no factual basis for these claims. The topic is a recurring but unfounded narrative in social media.
The question itself reflects a broader cultural discomfort with female athletes who don’t fit traditional stereotypes. Richardson’s physique and speed are exceptional, not suspicious.
Is Sha’Carri Faster Than Usain Bolt?
Usain Bolt’s records
- Usain Bolt holds the world record in the 100m at 9.58 seconds (2009) (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia)).
- His 200m world record is 19.19 seconds (2009).
Richardson’s best times
Richardson’s 100m best is 10.65 seconds, more than 1 second slower than Bolt’s 9.58. In the 200m, her 21.92 is 2.73 seconds slower than Bolt’s 19.19.
Head-to-head comparison
| Athlete | 100m Best | 200m Best |
|---|---|---|
| Usain Bolt | 9.58s | 19.19s |
| Sha’Carri Richardson | 10.65s | 21.92s |
| Difference | 1.07s | 2.73s |
Bolt’s time is faster by over 1 second in the 100m, a gap that translates to roughly 10 meters at top speed.
Why this matters: Comparing a female sprinter to a male sprinter is not an apples-to-apples comparison. The physiological differences in muscle mass, lung capacity, and hormone levels mean that women’s times are naturally slower. Richardson’s 10.65s is elite for women but not comparable to Bolt’s record.
Timeline of Sha’Carri Richardson’s Career
- March 25, 2000 — Born in Dallas, Texas.
- 2019 — Won NCAA 100m title as a freshman at LSU.
- June 2021 — Set personal best 10.72s at U.S. Olympic Trials, then suspended for positive THC test.
- July 2021 — Suspended one month for cannabis use, misses 2020 Olympics.
- August 2023 — Won gold in 100m at World Championships in Budapest.
- August 2024 — Won silver in 100m and gold in 4×100m relay at Paris Olympics.
The pattern: Each setback is followed by a leap forward. The timeline shows a clear trajectory of resilience.
Clarity: Confirmed Facts vs. What’s Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Richardson’s suspension and return are documented by USA Today and Olympics.com.
- Her Olympic medals (silver 100m, gold 4×100m) are confirmed by Team USA.
- Her personal best 10.65s is recorded by World Athletics.
- Her gender identity is female, confirmed by her participation in women’s events.
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth (estimates between $1-3 million, no official disclosure).
- Marital status (not officially married, but in a relationship).
- Future competition plans beyond 2024.
Quotes and Perspectives
“I’m not back, I’m better.”
— Sha’Carri Richardson, after winning 2023 World Championship gold
“She has the talent to be one of the greats.”
— Usain Bolt, commenting on Richardson’s potential in 2023
“We support Sha’Carri and her health.”
— USA Track & Field, official statement on 2021 suspension
Richardson’s story is not just about speed — it’s about how an athlete navigates public scrutiny, institutional rules, and personal growth. For the next generation of sprinters, the lesson is clear: setbacks can be stepping stones, but only if you refuse to stay down.
en.wikipedia.org, sports.yahoo.com, cnn.com, theadvertiser.com, nytimes.com, lemonde.fr, usatoday.com, irelandanalysis.org
Frequently asked questions
What is Sha’Carri Richardson’s net worth?
Estimates place Sha’Carri Richardson’s net worth between $1 and $3 million, though she has not publicly disclosed her finances. Her income comes from prize money, endorsements, and sponsorships.
How tall is Sha’Carri Richardson?
Sha’Carri Richardson is 5 feet 1 inch (1.55 meters) tall.
What is Sha’Carri Richardson’s 100m time?
Her personal best in the 100m is 10.65 seconds, set at the 2023 World Championships.
Who is Sha’Carri Richardson’s partner?
She is in a relationship with Dashaun Johnson, though she has not publicly confirmed marriage.
What is Sha’Carri Richardson’s Instagram handle?
Her official Instagram handle is @itsshacarri.
How old is Sha’Carri Richardson?
She was born on March 25, 2000, making her 24 years old as of 2024.
Is Sha’Carri Richardson married?
No, she is not married. She is in a relationship with Dashaun Johnson.
Has any woman run under 10 seconds in the 100m?
No woman has officially run under 10 seconds. The world record is 10.49 seconds by Florence Griffith-Joyner.
Related reading
- Nelly Korda: Net Worth, Age, and Career Facts — Another elite female athlete profile.
- Laura Siegemund: Age, Rankings, Relationships, and More — A tennis athlete’s career and personal life.
Arthur Oliver Howard Fletcher is a staff writer for NationalReport.uk, covering UK national news, politics, the economy and public services. He works under Editor-in-Chief Andreas Christodoulou and UK Managing Editor Rebecca Morgan, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.