Richardson, who was widely expected to clinch gold and become the first American woman to win the 100m Olympic title since Gail Devers in 1996 , settled for silver with a time of 10.87 seconds. Fellow American Melissa Jefferson completed the podium, taking bronze in 10.92 seconds.
The race unfolded dramatically, with Alfred setting the tone in the semi-finals by finishing ahead of Richardson with a time of 10.89 seconds.
In the final , Richardson was slow out of the blocks and could not catch up to the relentless Alfred, who confidently eased up as she crossed the finish line.
However, Alfred’s imperious run ensured that any hopes Richardson had for Olympic gold were dashed.
Bronze medallist, US’ Melissa Jefferson (L), gold medallist, St Lucia’s Julien Alfred (C) and silver medallist US’ Sha’Carri Richardson (R) pose with their country’s flags after the women’s 100m final of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on August 3 , 2024. ( Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP)
As Alfred celebrated her monumental victory, wrapped in her country’s flag and greeted by an appreciative crowd, Richardson was left reflecting on a campaign that had promised so much but ultimately fell short.
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