The American sprinter faces a new teenage challenger, as an impressive European win sparks talk of future record-breaking potential.
Reigning 100 metres world champion Sha’Carri Richardson is still the hero of a new generation of sprinters, her legacy cemented by an awe-inspiring U20 record that still stands undefeated.
In 2019, and at just 19 years old, Richardson clocked a stunned 10.75 seconds in the 100m over a +1.6 m/s tailwind — a feat that instantly placed her among the fastest women in history at that age.
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The track and field world celebrated her confidence and skills once more when Nike just posted on X.
“Sha’Carri Richardson knows where she stands. It’s first.” The post was accompanied by a voice note from Richardson, declaring:
“Fans will be quick to tell you that you have to know your place. So I did. It’s first.” The bold statement galvanized fans — and rightly so — as it brings focus to the backdrop of her record-breaking feat.
At the European Under-20 Athletics Championships, Italy’s 15-year-old Kelly Doualla provided the audience with a preview of the future of the sport.
Doualla took the 100m final, crossing the line in 11.22 seconds. Her victory was likened to Richardson’s success at the beginning, but statistics tell a different story.
In second place behind Richardson, the second-fastest American U20 record is held by Tamari Davis, crossing the line in 10.83 seconds in 2022.
Doualla’s 11.22, despite its quality for her age, places her at number 89 all-time — with 43 American sprinters quicker than she is before age 20.
Nevertheless, the teenager’s career is just beginning. With the years of development still to come, her potential remains enormous.
“Love Shelly-Ann Fraser, Sha’Carri Richardson, Tara Davis and, among Italians, Filippo Tortu,” Doualla told Gazzetta Dello Sport, listing the idols she idolizes.
Among them, however, Richardson’s name stands tallest above the rest as a role model and benchmark.
Speaking to For The Win, she said, “So, right now I’m looking forward to World Championships in Tokyo as the reigning world champion in the 100m in September, and as well as from there, definitely building off of that momentum to go to 2028, and continue to represent myself, hard work, my team and of course, my country, Team USA.”
She also considered the pride she would feel in representing her nation.
“To be able to wear the Team USA brand across my chest is a point of pride ― that I am as a Black woman, acknowledging that where I come from ― [which] still represents a level of resilience that my I am my ancestors wildest dreams, and I’m going to continue to open that door up to anyone that feels like that door has been closed on them.”
Doualla’s Breakthrough Against a Legendary Benchmark
In the universe of young athletes, becoming part of elite times like Richardson’s 10.75 is the exception.
Doualla’s European championship is a milestone, but the distance to the American legends that still awaits should not conceal the stature of the task ahead. Richardson’s record is still safe, a towering benchmark for budding sprinters everywhere.
The Road to Los Angeles 2028
Whether in the 100m dash, 200m, or the 4x100m relay, Richardson has consistently demonstrated to be dominating and solid under pressure.
The coming years will tell how much she can maintain at her best as she battles against a new generation of challengers.
And believe Doualla, who is just beginning her career — and time will tell how much she will be able to close the gap.
Until then, the focus is on Richardson’s lasting record and the younger athletes working to equal it.
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