American sprint legend Michael Johnson has singled out why reigning world 100m champion Sha’Carri Richardson is a unique athlete.
In an interview with Olympics.com, the four-time Olympic champion hailed Richardson, noting that she is always herself without feeling the need to act or be like any other athlete.
Johnson, a former 200m world record, added that the 24-year-old has transformed the sport through her unique journey from serving a doping suspension to making an impact on the global stage.
“I think Sha’Carri is a very good example of an athlete who is not copying any previous greats to make an impact in the sport,” Johnson said.
“The people that make the biggest impact are those who are just authentically themselves. And she is certainly that, an amazing talent who’s had a unique journey to actually realise her talent on the track and win medals. She’s probably one of the most interesting athletes and a fantastic talent,” he added.
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Richardson was due to compete at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games but tested positive for cannabis use. The American sprint queen admitted to the use and accepted a one-month suspension from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.
Richardson bounced back to winning ways last season, qualifying for the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. She claimed the 100m world title and won bronze in the women’s 200. Richardson anchored the women’s 4x100m relay team to a gold medal.
She claimed the silver in the women’s 100m at the Paris Olympic Games before anchoring the women’s 4x100m relay team to a gold medal. Julien Alfred claimed the win in the women’s 100m race.
The world 200m bronze medallist now eyes title defence at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan and looks to go one step better in the 200m. Her next competition is the Diamond League Meeting in Zurich where she intends to earn sweet revenge against Alfred after her Olympic heartbreak.
