The rise of United States track and field star Sha’Carri Richardson has added much-needed spice to a sport that has these days often suffered from force of personality.
The 21-year-old sprinter demanded the world’s attention early this year when she sped to a brisk 10.72, which was, at the time, not only the fastest recorded for the season but one of the fastest ever run.
Decorated Jamaica sprinter and favourite for the 100m title at this year’s Olympics, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, has since gone faster. The Jamaican clocked 10.63 earlier this month, the second-fastest time ever run over the distance.
In addition to her speed on the track, however, Richardson has also garnered plenty of attention off it. The American has become known for brash statements, and brimming with extreme confidence. In recent weeks, Richards has attracted fans and sponsors alike, gaining more than 1 million Instagram followers. However, Richards’ attitude off the track has rubbed some the wrong way.
For SportsMax.tv's The Commentators Podcast hosts Ricardo Chambers and Donald Oliver, however, the young American has a bit of the showmanship of great Jamaica sprinter Usain Bolt.
“It’s an interesting dynamic because champions have a way about them and should have a way about them, and some of those ways may come across as arrogant and sometimes disrespectful,” Chambers said on The Commentators Podcast.
“Jamaicans have always liked the humble athlete,” he added.
“In the past, we have seen athletes being so respectful of each other. Respect isn’t a bad thing but it was so lukewarm that there wasn’t any fire in the rivalry,” Oliver said.
“You missed the days when the Americans were such, which is funny because in Jamaica, in particular, we got so attached to Asafa because of his humility. It took some time for the Jamaican people to get used to a Usain Bolt because he was a showman and confident, borderline arrogant.”
Listen to the full Episode above
Elaine Thompson-Herah was never booked for USATF Bermuda Grand Prix, says agent
Speculation surrounding the participation of five-time Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah at the highly anticipated USATF Bermuda Grand Prix has been dispelled by her agent, Marvin Anderson of Andi Sports Management. Despite earlier excitement and anticipation, Thompson-Herah was never officially booked or confirmed for the track meet scheduled for this Sunday at the Flora Duffy Stadium.
The revelation comes after recent reports sparked fervent anticipation among fans, particularly within Bermuda's Jamaican community, who were eagerly awaiting the opportunity to witness the "fastest woman alive" compete alongside other elite Caribbean athletes.
Yackeisha Weir, president of the Jamaican Association of Bermuda (JAB), expressed the community's high expectations and emphasized the honor of hosting Thompson-Herah ahead of the Paris Olympics. However, Anderson's statement to Sportsmax.TV on Friday shattered these hopes, clarifying that Thompson-Herah's presence at the USATF Bermuda Grand Prix was never confirmed.
"She was never booked. She was never confirmed," Anderson asserted, addressing the confusion surrounding Thompson-Herah's potential appearance.
“I asked the meet organizers if they had put out something and they said no, so I don’t know where that was leaked from. I know they had an interest way back, but no.”
Despite this setback, Anderson assured fans that Thompson-Herah has been diligently training and is gearing up for a successful upcoming season. While Thompson-Herah's name was notably absent from the start lists for Sunday's meet, other Jamaican athletes, including Alana Reid and Kemba Nelson, are set to showcase their talents in the 100m event. Ashanti Moore is the only Jamaican down to contest the 200m.
JC, KC book spots in 4x800m final
Jamaican track & field powerhouses Jamaica College and Kingston College both secured spots in the final of the High School Boys 4x800m on day two of the 128th Penn Relays at the Franklin Field in Philadelphia on Friday.
JC’s quartet of Nellie Amberton, Samuel Creary, Rasheed Pryce and Kemarrio Bygrave combined to qualify fastest with a time of 7:45.38.
KC (Schevorn Wardlow, Nahashon Ruto, Brian Kiprop, Jaquan Coke) ran 7:53.86 to finish second in their heat and advance as the eighth fastest school overall.
Wins for Jamaican duo McLeod and Anderson in Italy on Thursday
As they continue their preparations for Jamaica’s national championships in June, Olympic champion Omar McLeod and World Championship silver medallist Britany Anderson, were both winners at a La Fratellanza 1874 meeting in Italy on Thursday.
McLeod, who celebrated his 30th birthday on Thursday, won the 100m in a brisk 10.32 in a race that also included Britain’s Adam Gemili. Obviously elated over his victory, the 2017 world champion, declared on Instagram, “A win today in the 100m was all I had on my birthday wish list.
“10.32 in an ankle freezing 15-degree weather is a solid opener. Beyond excited for what is to come this season.”
Meanwhile, Anderson, in only her second hurdles race back from injury and knee surgery that saw her miss the entire 2023 season, clocked 13.34 into a 1.4 m/s headwind in a dominant victory in which she widened her lead at each hurdle.
As the meeting concluded on Thursday, things are looking up for the Jamaican sprint hurdlers looking to reclaim their places among Jamaica's elite as the Olympics approach this summer.
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