August 03, (THEWILL) – Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia demonstrated her Olympic medal potential by besting world champion, Sha’Carri Richardson, in their 100 metres semi-final on Saturday. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s Rosemary Chukwuma finished at the back of the pack and did not make the cut.
Alfred clocked an impressive 10.84 seconds, while Richardson finished in 10.89 seconds after a slow start. The American sprinter, who holds the world’s fastest time this year at 10.71 seconds, will need to improve in the final to end the United States’ 28-year gold medal drought in this event. Richardson’s chances were boosted by the withdrawal of Jamaican double Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce before her race.
Despite Fraser-Pryce’s absence and compatriot Shericka Jackson’s decision to focus on the 200m, Jamaica remains a strong contender with 19-year-old Tia Clayton, who won her heat in 10.89 seconds. The United States will have three representatives in the final, including Melissa Jefferson and Twanisha Terry.
The women’s 100m final is scheduled for Saturday at 8:20pm local time. With a mix of experienced champions and rising stars, the race promises to be a highlight of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
