Team USA sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson helped propel the U.S. to a first-place finish in the women’s 4x100m relay, employing an incredible anchor leg while glaring back at her opponents
Sha’Carri Richardson secured her first Olympic gold medal in signature fashion, helping propel Team USA to a first-place finish in the women’s 4x100m relay at the Paris Games.
On Friday, the American quartet of Richardson, Gabby Thomas, Melissa Jefferson and Twanisha Terry coasted to the top spot on the podium, running a season-best time of 41.78 seconds. Great Britain took silver in the event at 41.85, while Germany snatched bronze in a season-best 41.97 seconds.
200m gold medalist Thomas was in third position when she passed the baton onto Richardson for the final stretch. The 24-year-old then turned on the jets, delivering an incredible anchor leg and speeding past the competition to claim gold for the U.S.
With several meters left to go before reaching the finish line, Richardson took one last glance over her left shoulder and directed a bone-chilling glare at her opponents. She promptly directed her attention back in front of her, and let out an emphatic yell moments later upon crossing the line first.
Fans online swiftly took to social media to share their thoughts on Richardson’s death stare. “The ‘watch this’ look Sha’Carri gives when she is about to pass everyone is so petty & so funny. I love her,” one X user said, with another adding: “To get a bad handoff, be behind, not only catch up, but stare at them while smoking them is iconic.”
A third wrote: “Sha’Carri looking over at those other runners just before she flies by them with that same look I give my husband and kids right before I find something they’ve ‘looked everywhere for’ is absolutely sending me. I love it!”
Sha’Carri Richardson secured the first gold Olympic medal of her career (
Getty Images)
Speaking to reporters after winning Olympic gold for the first time in her decorated career, Richardson attributed her dominant performance to trusting herself and her teammates. “I just remember trusting my third leg, trusting Gabby, and knowing that she’s going to put that stick in my hand no matter what, and to leave my best on the track,” she said.
Thomas additionally gave Richardson her due praise following Team USA’s first-place finish, despite the pair previously beefing during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. “Obviously passing the baton to Sha’Carri is very special. She is so fast, you know we’re in good hands when she gets her hand on the baton,” Thomas said. “I felt very proud, and I was grateful to compete with these ladies, and we got the gold.”
The 4x100m relay marked Richardson’s last opportunity to secure an Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games. Last week, she won silver in the women’s 100m, coming in second behind Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred. Team USA has managed to medal in the women’s 4×100 relay each of the last four Olympics, winning three gold and one silver during that span.
