
Track star Abby Steiner calls out ‘harmful’ speculation of pro contract
Steiner won the 200m dash at the USATF championships last week.
As the fastest women in the world competed in the 100-meter final Saturday in Tokyo, one of the top sprinters was missing — American Sha’Carri Richardson. The 21-year-old was suspended for one month due to a failed drug test that kept her off Team USA.
That didn’t stop Richardson from extending a gracious congratulations to the runners from Jamaica, who swept the podium in a fierce and highly anticipated race.
“Congratulations to the ladies of Jamaica for the clean sweep,” Richardson tweeted after the race. “Powerful, strong black women dominating the sport.”
Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah won gold, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce took silver and Shericka Jackson earned bronze.
Congratulations to the ladies of Jamaica for the clean sweep. Powerful, strong black women dominating the sport. ✨
— Sha’Carri Richardson (@itskerrii) July 31, 2021
Last month in Oregon, Richardson won the 100m final at the U.S. Olympic trials, but a positive test result for marijuana disqualified her from the Tokyo Olympics.
And on Saturday in Tokyo, Richardson’s absence was felt. Thompson-Herah ran 10.61 seconds, breaking an Olympic record that had stood for 33 years. Richardson isn’t too far behind, clocking a season-best 10.72 back in April.
The Jamaican duo of Thompson-Herah and Fraser-Pryce are the only women who have run faster than Richardson this year.
Steiner won the 200m dash at the USATF championships last week.
Muhammad has set the standard in the 400m hurdles and isn't done yet.
Cranny's unexpected rise began at Niwot High School, just outside Boulder, Colo.
Cunningham has matured in her high-jumping and off-track passions.
Get a rundown of the top highlights, stories, and events in women’s sports, including can’t-miss games and exclusive features.