Sha’Carri Richardson’s Absence in Women's 200m Final: The Surprising Reason

Sha’Carri Richardson has one more chance to win a medal in Paris.

PARIS, France — Team USA’s Gabby Thomas will take the stage alone in the women’s 200-meter finals on Tuesday. Sha’Carri Richardson, who already secured a silver medal in the 100-meter dash on Saturday, did not qualify for the event. Richardson finished fourth in the U.S. track trials, failing to secure a spot.

Thomas heads into the 200-meter race as the favorite after her first-place finish at the trials in Oregon. The 27-year-old American recorded a 21.86-second finish in the Paris semifinal round, securing her place in the finals with ease.

With the 200-meter out of reach, Richardson’s only individual Olympic medal opportunity was the 100-meter dash. She finished behind Julien Alfred, who clinched Saint Lucia’s first-ever Olympic medal. Alfred’s remarkable start and performance in the rain allowed her to defeat Richardson by .15 seconds, equating to about three body lengths.

This was the most significant margin in the women’s Olympic 100-meter since 2008.

Richardson’s Olympic journey isn’t over yet. She has one more chance to win a medal in Paris. She will participate in the women’s 4x100m relay. The qualifying rounds begin on Thursday, Aug. 8, with the finals scheduled for Friday, Aug. 9, at 1:30 p.m. Eastern. If Team USA advances, Richardson is expected to compete in the relay.

The women’s 200-meter final will commence at 9:40 p.m. EST/3:40 p.m. EDT at the Stade de France. Thomas, who earned a bronze medal in the event in Tokyo, emerged from the semifinal with a 21.86-second finish. With Jamaican sprinter Shericka Jackson withdrawing from the event, Thomas is now the clear favorite.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.