US sprinting sensation Sha’Carri Richardson has pulled out of the US Track and Field Championships following her recent arrest at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The incident, which occurred after a dispute involving her boyfriend, sprinter Christian Coleman, led to her being held by police.
Video footage captured Richardson’s heated exchange with Coleman as they left the security area. Reports detail that she became physical, pushing Coleman into a nearby column and throwing headphones at him. Coleman, who declined to cooperate with the investigation, did not wish to pursue charges. Following the incident, Richardson was detained and subsequently released on the following day.
Despite this turmoil, Richardson participated in the heats for the women’s 100m event shortly thereafter, achieving her quickest time of the season at 11.07 seconds. However, USA Track and Field confirmed that she would not compete further in the Championships, having withdrawn from both the 100m and 200m races.
Initially slated to run in the 200m, Richardson’s name was still listed until late Friday. As the reigning world champion, she automatically qualified for the World Championships in Japan, granting her a bye from competing in these trials. Speaking to reporters, Richardson expressed a sense of relief regarding this bye, saying it alleviated pressure and allowed her to focus on her performance without added stress.
Richardson was previously barred from competing in the Tokyo Olympics after a positive marijuana test. However, she remains a formidable contender in the sport, with eyes set on making a strong impact when it counts.