Sha’Carri Richardson finished with a silver medal in the women’s 100m Olympic final, as Julien Alfred claimed gold with an impressive display.
With her grandmother, Betty Harp – affectionately known as Big Momma – watching, Richardson clocked a time of 10.87 in rainy conditions in Paris.
The reigning world champion, who was absent from the Tokyo Games due to a positive THC test, was unable to outpace Alfred, who achieved St Lucia’s inaugural Olympic medal.
Melissa Jefferson from the USA took bronze, finishing in 10.92 seconds.
Earlier in the day, two-time Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce from Jamaica withdrew from the women’s 100-meter semi-finals.
Sha’Carri Richardson had to settle for silver in the Olympic final of the women’s 100m dash
Julien Alfred of St Lucia secured the nation’s first ever Olympic medal when she won gold
At 37 years old, Fraser-Pryce, a two-time event champion in 2008 and 2012, was set to compete in the same heat as Richardson and Alfred.
She had previously indicated that Paris would be her final Olympic appearance but did not provide an immediate reason for her withdrawal.
Reports later suggested that Fraser-Pryce, who will turn 38 later this year, withdrew due to a hamstring injury.
It is said that the sprinter experienced the injury during her warm-up prior to Saturday’s semi-final.
Her withdrawal allowed Richardson to advance to the final, where she received support from celebrities including Snoop Dogg and Serena Williams.
Although she could not be there in person, rapper Cardi B also rooted for Richardson from a distance.
The rapper previously expressed her support for the track star in an NBC promotional video featuring the two getting their nails done.
‘You evoked so much emotion in me with your powerful words and spirit. Witnessing your growth after others turned against you is truly inspiring,’ Cardi stated.
‘You are not just an athlete, you’re a SUPERHERO, and I look forward to seeing what the next decade holds for you; you are already legendary,’ she added.
After sharing kind words, Cardi shed a few tears.
‘I feel inspired and warm inside. I’m trying not to cry, but this energy is palpable. You’re truly special—more than just an athlete,’ she expressed, prompting a heartfelt hug from Richardson.
