SAINT-DENIS, France – Sha’Carri Richardson secured her first Olympic gold medal on Friday evening, leading the U.S. women to victory in the 4×100 meter relay final. Richardson, who had previously won silver in the 100 meter event, competed against runners from Great Britain and Germany, helping the U.S. achieve a total time of 41.78 seconds—just 0.07 seconds ahead of Great Britain, which encountered difficulties with two baton exchanges in the rain.
Gabby Thomas, who ran the third leg of the relay, added another gold medal to her tally after previously winning the 200 meter title. Twanisha Terry and bronze medalist Melissa Jefferson, who finished third in the 100 meter event, completed the American team. The baton exchange between Terry and Thomas, which had nearly cost them qualification, functioned far better this time around.
When Thomas passed the baton to Richardson, the U.S. was in third position. Richardson needed to overtake Daryll Neita from Great Britain and Rebekka Haase from Germany. Her determination was evident as she glanced to her right and backward, signaling that she would not be overtaken. She surged down the final stretch with a powerful drive, lifting her left leg high on the ninth stride and stomping it down past the finish line. A loud scream followed her victory.
This marked a bittersweet conclusion to the Olympics for Richardson, who had come into the Games as a favorite but unexpectedly lost to Julien Alfred from St. Lucia in the earlier 100 meter competition. With this triumph, the U.S. teams concluded a successful relay event, reaffirming their strength on the Olympic stage once again.