Background on Sha’Carri Richardson
Sha’Carri Richardson, a 25-year-old sprinter from Texas and the reigning world champion in the 100 meters, has withdrawn from the US Track and Field Championships. This decision comes after her arrest on July 27 at Seattle’s Aeroport for assault against her partner, Christian Coleman.
Details of the Incident
According to a police report obtained by AFP, surveillance footage captured an altercation between Richardson and Coleman following a security check at Seattle Port. The report states that Richardson pushed Coleman hard enough to throw him against a column, and then pushed him again, sending him several meters away.
Coleman refused to participate in the investigation and be listed as a victim. Richardson allegedly threw her headphones at Coleman during the incident.
Impact on Richardson’s Mundial Participation
Despite withdrawing from the US Track and Field Championships, Richardson remains invited to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo as the defending champion. However, she will not defend her titles in the 100m or 200m semifinals at these championships, nor will she compete in Japan.
Other Athletes’ Decisions
Richardson’s withdrawal is not the only one this week. Noah Lyles, who has automatically qualified for the 100m event at the World Athletics Championships, and Gabby Thomas, the Olympic champion in the 200m, have chosen to focus on upcoming 200m races instead of the 100m semifinals.
Lyles, the Olympic and World champion in the 100m, explained that he needs ample competition after starting his season late due to an injury. He was defeated in his first 100m race of the season at the Diamond League in London on July 19.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Sha’Carri Richardson? She is a 25-year-old sprinter from Texas and the current world champion in the 100 meters.
- Why did Richardson withdraw from the US Track and Field Championships? She withdrew following her arrest for assault against her partner, Christian Coleman.
- Will Richardson still compete in the World Athletics Championships? Yes, she remains invited as the defending champion but will not participate in the 100m or 200m events at the US Track and Field Championships or in Japan.
- Who else withdrew from the US Track and Field Championships? Noah Lyles and Gabby Thomas opted to focus on the 200m races instead of the 100m semifinals.
- Why did Lyles choose to focus on 200m races? Lyles needs more competition after starting his season late due to an injury.
