Julien Alfred topples Sha’Carri Richardson to win 100m gold, Saint Lucia’s first Olympic medal

Richardson, in the meantime, is finally an Olympic medalist.

For Richardson, the silver medal culminates a winding path to changing into the face of the game. In 2021, she certified for the Tokyo Video games on the U.S. Olympic Trials, however a subsequent pattern revealed that she had examined constructive for hashish use. That led to a one-month suspension that stored Richardson out of the Tokyo Olympics.

The 2021 suspension pained her deeply, and it got here shortly after the demise of her organic mom. Richardson then slogged by means of a lot of the subsequent season on the observe, even failing to qualify for the 100m remaining on the 2022 U.S. Championships, the place she completed a stunning sixth and thus missed out on that season’s world championships in her dwelling nation.

Richardson vowed to climb again to the highest of her sport and show that she was the world’s quickest lady. She rallied to win her signature occasion, the 100m, on the subsequent yr’s U.S. Championships. In her post-race interview with NBC Sports activities’ Lewis Johnson, Richardson despatched a clear-cut message to the world.

“I stand right here with you once more and I’m prepared, mentally, bodily and emotionally,” she started.

I am not again, I am higher.

These 5 phrases — I am not again, I am higher — have caught on her mystique within the yr since. A lot of America and the world has since change into smitten with Richardson, whose lightning pace on the observe is matched by a daring, vibrant character and assertion vogue. The previous LSU Tiger elevated herself to worldwide sensation standing forward of her Olympic debut.

However getting into this week, Richardson was an athlete not solely with out an Olympic medal, however with out as a lot as a step on an Olympic observe. Now not — Richardson is an Olympic silver medalist.

However on Saturday at Stade de France, it wasn’t “Jamaica, Land We Love” or the “Star-Spangled Banner” blaring on the loudspeakers. It was The Nationwide Anthem of Saint Lucia, and Alfred carrying the gold medal round her neck.

“I’m going to begin crying,” Alfred mentioned. “It means so much to me, my coach and my nation, which I’m certain is celebrating now.