The women’s 100-meter dash at the 2025 Prefontaine Classic was nothing short of electrifying. It featured a high-stakes showdown between reigning world champion Sha’Carri Richardson, St. Lucian sprint sensation Julien Alfred, and the fierce American contender Melissa Jefferson. Fans packed into Hayward Field with anticipation, and the sprinters delivered a race that will be remembered for years.
Coming into the event, Sha’Carri Richardson was the clear favorite. The American star had been on a dominant run since her gold medal at the 2023 World Championships and had consistently clocked sub-10.8 times this season. Her explosive start and unmatched top-end speed made her the woman to beat. But the competition wasn’t going to make it easy.
Julien Alfred, representing Saint Lucia, has been rewriting her nation’s sprint history. After winning silver at the 2024 Olympics, Alfred came into the race with a point to prove. She had recently clocked a personal best of 10.76 and was running with confidence, focus, and the hopes of her country resting on her shoulders.
Melissa Jefferson, the 2022 U.S. champion, returned to top form this season. Known for her fiery starts and fearless racing, Jefferson was expected to challenge from the blocks. While not as consistent as Richardson, Jefferson thrives in pressure situations and was ready to seize the moment.
As the athletes settled into the blocks, the tension was palpable. The gun fired, and immediately it was Jefferson who got the best start, bursting out with her trademark aggression. Alfred quickly found her rhythm in the middle lanes, while Richardson remained composed, not panicking despite trailing slightly in the early strides.
At the halfway mark, the three frontrunners were almost level, each locked in a high-speed battle for supremacy. But then, Sha’Carri did what she does best—she surged. With a sudden burst of acceleration, she separated herself from the field in the final 30 meters, crossing the line in a stunning 10.67 seconds, a season’s best and a clear statement ahead of the World Championships.
Alfred finished second in a blazing 10.72, equaling her personal best and confirming her place among the world’s elite. Jefferson held on for third with a solid 10.83, just edging out a strong field that included the likes of Shericka Jackson and Tamari Davis.
What made this race so “crazy” wasn’t just the times—it was the energy, the rivalry, and the drama. Three of the world’s fastest women, each with different styles and stories, came together in a classic sprint battle that thrilled fans and showcased the golden age of women’s sprinting.
Sha’Carri Richardson continues to prove she’s the woman to beat, but Julien Alfred is closing in fast, and Melissa Jefferson’s fire ensures she’ll never be far behind. With the World Championships around the corner, this race sets the stage for even more fireworks.
One thing is certain: women’s sprinting is alive and thriving. The 2025 Prefontaine Classic reminded us why the 100-meter dash is the crown jewel of track and field—ten seconds of pure adrenaline, rivalry, and unforgettable moments.
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