Sha'Carri breezes through opening round at her first Olympic race, wins 100 heat in 10.94 seconds
Sha’Carri Richardson blazed through a no-fuss opening round in the 100 meters, winning her first-ever race at the Olympics in 10.94 seconds to easily qualify for the semifinals
SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — Sha'Carri Richardson blazed through a no-fuss opening round in the 100 meters Friday, winning her first-ever race at the Olympics in 10.94 seconds to easily qualify for the semifinals.
Wearing neon green shoes, which contrasted well against the bright purple track, the American captured the first of eight first-round races on the opening day of track action at a jam-packed Stade de France.
“To be at the Olympics is a phenomenal feeling, to be an athlete here, competing with the energy, with a great appreciation for track and field," Richardson said to NBC after the race. She did not stop for interviews with print reporters.
Also making it through first-round races were all the top contenders, including Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica, a two-time champion in this event who is making her fifth and final Olympic appearance. Fraser-Pryce ran 10.92 but finished second to Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith of Ivory Coast, who won the day's fastest heat in 10.87.
