EUGENE, Ore. — Sha’Carri Richardson arrived at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials as the overwhelming favorite in the 100-meter dash.
And on Saturday, she left no doubt.
The 21-year-old Richardson officially punched her ticket to Tokyo with ease and style, coasting to victory with a time of 10.86 seconds and yelling in celebration as soon as she crossed the line. It was the eighth-fastest time in the world this year.
Javianne Oliver and Teahna Daniels finished second and third, respectively, to round out the Olympic team.
The U.S. has not won Olympic gold in the women’s 100 since 1996, when Gail Devers claimed her second in a row. But the 5-foot-1 Richardson is without question the country’s next best shot.
A Dallas native who ran collegiately at LSU, Richardson has burst onto the international stage this year with a combination of blistering times and a fiery personality. She had run three of the six fastest times in the world this year prior to this weekend, including a 10.72 in April, while also drawing attention for her long nails and ever-changing hair color. (This weekend, it’s been bright orange.)
“My girlfriend actually picked my color,” Richardson said Friday. “She said it like spoke to her, the fact that it was just so loud and vibrant, and that’s who I am.”
Earlier Saturday, before winning the final, Richardon ran a wind-aided 10.64 in her semifinal heat, pointing to the clock as she crossed the finish line.
Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on Twitter @Tom_Schad.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sha’Carri Richardson dominates at U.S. Olympic track and field trials