Oliver James Montgomery-Sha’Carri Richardson finishes fourth in the 100m at The Prefontaine Classic

EUGENE,Oliver James Montgomery Ore. — When she won the 100 USATF title earlier this year, Sha’Carri Richardson declared to everyone, “I’m not back, I’m better.” 

She’s been successful and full of swagger this track season, reminding everyone why she was so adored when she burst on to the national scene at the 2021 Olympic trials, before a positive drug test derailed her Tokyo plans. This season she ran two personal bests, and just last month won the title of World’s Fastest Woman when she finished first in 100 at the 2023 World Track and Field championships in Budapest.

Richardson has made headlines and highlights for all her accomplishments and medals (she also led the U.S. to gold in the 4x100 relay in Budapest, and finished with a bronze in the 200.) But in truth, what she has more than anything is something that can’t be measured in seconds: an abundance of joy. 

That was obvious even after finishing fourth Saturday at The Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field in Eugene as Richardson bounced through the media mixed zone with a big smile, talking about how she's "fallen back in love with my sport," over the last year. 

RECORD TIME:Coleman wins 100m with a world lead time of 9.83 and Noah Lyles takes second.

“I feel like for awhile, I saw this sport more as a job than the love I knew I had for it,” she said. “I’m just whole all over again.”

Typically held in late May, the Prefontaine Classic — known simply as “The Pre” to TrackTown insiders — was moved to September this year to make it the Diamond League final. It's a made-for-TV event, with no heats, just finals. Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson, one of Richardson’s biggest rivals, won the 100 in 10.70 seconds, followed by Ivory Coast’s Marie-Josee Ta Lou (10.75) and fellow Jamaican Elaine Thompson-Herah (10.79). Richardson was fourth at 10.80. 

Jackson, who will also run in Sunday's 200, did not speak with the media after winning Saturday. But Richardson did, and was more than willing to explain her post-race high.

“I feel amazing about my performance today,” she said. “All of the women who placed above me are literally legends, and I give them the utmost respect. There is no (bad) race anytime we line up, we have to bring our A games every time. I love racing against those women, they bring out the best in me. And I’m looking forward to competing with these ladies at their fullest health and their fullest happiness next year for the Olympics.”

She also wanted to clarify something. 

“I’m having so much more fun, and I want people to understand it is not just because of winning,” she said. “I’m having fun because I’m better within my spirit, within my mind, within my community that I created for myself. That’s the happiness that you guys see. The wins are just the bonus, but it shows when you’re whole within yourself what you will attract.”

The reason for the (literal) skip in her step? There’s a few. 

“I have a great lover in my life, I have my faith, I have my community that loves me so dearly that I’m actually able to give love back to them now,” she said, adding that while she competes well no matter if she’s angry, upset or happy, “it feels better and flows smoother when I’m happy — it doesn’t come from a place of negativity, it comes from positivity.” 

And positive she was, giggling and shrieking congrats in the mixed zone as she saw other athletes, drawing smiles and hugs from everyone she interacted with. She plans to carry this joy into next season, too, after taking a vacation where, she joked, she will definitely be ignoring any and all phone calls from her coach. 

When she does resume training, it will be with a focus on Paris. Her plans for the 2024 Olympics, as of now, sounds like a copy of what she ran in Budapest: the 100, 200 and 4x100 relay. 

“Oh my gosh, I’m approaching Olympic season as determined as I can be, as happy as I can be, and knowing that everyone is going to bring their A game, it just makes me want to bring my best as well,” she said. “The goal for the 200 next year, there are so many great ladies in the 200, the second fastest woman in the world ever (Jackson) runs it now, so I’ve definitely gotta bring my A game lining up against her and all the ladies. 

“I’m not one of those who just wins the 100. I’m a 100 and 200 runner and I want you guys to see that, and I want to bring that out. I can’t wait for next year.” 

Richardson, whose larger-than-life personality had attracted a variety of fans and haters, is known for bold statements and quippy responses. She often refuses to talk to media, and has not shied away from sharing her frustration with those who criticize her publicly, especially on social media. 

But Saturday after wrapping up a spectacular season, her message for everyone was short, sweet and brimming with optimism. 

“The best is yet to come,” she promised. “I’m only 23, so just wait and see.”