Sha’Carri Richardson’s Heroic Sprint Rescues US Women’s Relay Team from Disaster

Sha’Carri Richardson saved the U.S. women’s team from a near-disaster in the Olympic 4×100 relay qualifying round, ensuring their spot in the finals.

SAINT-DENIS, France — In a dramatic anchor leg, Richardson overcame a German runner to secure the win for the U.S. women on Thursday, pushing them into the gold-medal race.

The U.S. men’s team, who last medaled in this event in 2004, surged forward despite a minor hiccup. Interestingly, it was Jamaica’s men’s team that faltered, failing to qualify for Friday’s final.

For the women, the race almost collapsed when Gabby Thomas mishandled her exchange with Twanisha Terry, leaving Richardson three steps behind. She caught up to and surpassed Germany’s Rebekka Haase, leading the U.S. to finish at 41.94 seconds, just .19 seconds ahead of the Germans.

Richardson’s performance drew significant attention on social media, emphasizing her crucial role in securing the relay’s final placement.

The men’s team clinched victory in 37.47 seconds despite an awkward first pass. Christian Coleman handed off to Fred Kerley in a convoluted manner, grasping his wrist to ensure security. From there, Kerley, Kyree King, and Courtney Lindsey dominated the track, finishing significantly ahead of South Africa. Notably, stars Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek were absent, focusing on the 200-meter final later that night.

Jamaica, a former powerhouse with Usain Bolt, struggled notably. A flawed initial exchange and a misjudged run by 100 silver medalist Kishane Thompson doomed their race, ending them in fourth place and out of the final.

Jamaica’s women’s team, unlike their male counterparts, remains in contention with hopes to add to their single sprint medal won in Paris thus far. Their best sprinters, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson, and Elaine Thompson-Herah, were notably absent, contributing to their third-place finish in the heat.

The intensity of the U.S. women’s near-collapse was palpable. Gabby Thomas’s early start on the third leg required a hurried recovery to make a legal baton pass, narrowly keeping their Olympic dreams intact.