'I've Been Surviving' - Sha'Carri Richardson Reflects on Her Struggles Ahead of World Championships

Defending world 100m champion Sha’Carri Richardson has opened up about the changes that have happened in her life since the season started.

Sha’Carri Richardson has struggled to make a mark since her debut at the Seiko Golden Grand Prix, where she finished fourth in 11.47 seconds.

Sha’Carri Richardson then proceeded to the Prefontaine Classic, where she finished a distant ninth in the women’s 100m, crossing the finish line in 11.97 seconds.

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She claimed her first podium finish of the season at the USA Championships, clocking 11.07 seconds to win the women’s 100m heats.

Sha’Carri Richardson pointed out that a series of changes have happened in her life, and she has made bold transitions.

Richardson revealed that her close family and friends have been there every step of the way, and she has since gained confidence.

“Yes, it’s been a while. I’ve been surviving. I’m feeling light, I’m feeling better. I’ve let go of so many things, people that have just been holding me down as an anchor, and I feel like this weekend showed that I’m getting my confidence back,” Sha’Carri Richardson said in an interview with Athlos.

Sha'Carri Richardson said she had not been thinking about anything else during the race, choosing to leave everything behind the blocks and simply run.

She acknowledged that making the US team was incredibly difficult, but noted that having a wild card eased some of the pressure.

Sha’Carri Richardson added that the weekend has given her valuable time to focus on running a complete race while still preparing physically.

She expressed relief at not feeling the usual pressure and said it felt good to know she would still be heading to the World Championships in Tokyo.

She explained that going forward, she plans to decide what she needs and wants to do, and then focus on getting to Tokyo.

Sha’Carri Richardson also confirmed that she is feeling healthier, improving her sprint form, and successfully executing what she has been practising.

“It's amazing being able to compete, feeling healthy, going out there and executing no matter what, just being the best athlete I can be, and doing that with a great team around me, with great training partners,” Sha’Carri Richardson revealed.

She also touched on her injury at the start of the season, saying: “It was just a physical injury. I definitely had an injury that set me back, and I had to basically start training all over again beginning in March. But it was a setback that it just took my time, my body time, to get back into shape. And I'm just in sprint shape.

“I think so. I like to be a secret weapon. So, right now, I'm kind of just cruising under the radar, but when it's time to hit, it's going to be a bang when y'all see my name.”

Sha’Carri Richardson heads to the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, with the clarity of what she needs to accomplish after struggling earlier this season.