Sha’Carri Richardson’s highly anticipated 2025 track season got off to a rocky start this weekend as the American sprint star finished outside the top spots in her season opener. The reigning World Champion in the 100 meters was expected to set the tone for the Olympic year, but instead, she found herself off pace, raising eyebrows and sparking conversations about her form and readiness.
Competing at the Diamond League meeting in Doha, Richardson lined up against a field of elite sprinters, including Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson and Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith.
Despite a decent start, Richardson faded in the final 30 meters and crossed the finish line in fifth place with a time of 11.12 seconds — well below her personal best and far from the sub-11-second times expected at this level.
This stumble comes at a critical time for Richardson, who has been under intense scrutiny and spotlight since her resurgence in 2023. Last year, she silenced critics by winning gold at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, clocking a blistering 10.65 seconds in the final. That performance had reestablished her as one of the fastest women in the world and a major contender for gold at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
However, her early-season form now raises questions. While one race doesn’t define a season, Richardson’s inconsistency in recent years — combined with the high expectations she carries — makes any setback more pronounced. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how she responds in upcoming meets.
Meanwhile, Christian Coleman, her boyfriend and fellow sprinter, continues to struggle with his own form. Once the 100m World Champion himself, Coleman has found it difficult to reclaim the dominance he displayed before his suspension in 2020. In the same meet in Doha, Coleman finished fourth in the men’s 100 meters with a time of 10.05 seconds. While not a disastrous showing, it’s another race where Coleman failed to break the 10-second barrier — a mark that used to be routine for him.
Coleman, who once ran 9.76 seconds and was considered the heir to Usain Bolt’s sprint throne, has not managed to return to that level. His recent performances suggest a pattern of near-misses and middle-of-the-pack finishes, fueling speculation about whether he can peak in time for Paris.
For both Richardson and Coleman, the 2025 season is crucial. With the Olympic Games just months away, every race serves not only as preparation but also as a statement. Richardson has shown she can bounce back from adversity — something she’s done repeatedly throughout her career. Coleman, too, has the experience and talent to turn things around.
But time is running short. As the track season unfolds, the pressure will mount. For now, both stars are hoping that early missteps are just minor detours on the road to Olympic glory — not signs of deeper issues ahead.
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