Sha’Carri Richardson says to ‘talk all the [expletive] you want’ after a disappointing finish in Prefontaine Classic

The Prefontaine Classic didn’t go the way Sha’Carri Richardson thought it would

All eyes were on the Prefontaine Classic on Saturday with the women’s 100-meter race at the center of attention.

We were getting the women’s 100m final we never got to see in Tokyo at the Olympics. Sha’Carri Richardson would finally get to go up against the Olympic podium Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson. We thought maybe we’d finally get to see how she’d stack up against the best in the sport.

But the finish is probably not at all what most people expected.

Elaine Thompson-Herah finished dominated the competition once again with a 10.54 — the second fastest time in the women’s 100m ever. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce came behind her in 2nd at 10.72 while Shericka Jackson came in 3rd at 10.72.

But none that wasn’t as shocking as Richardson’s 9th place finish at 11.14. She just didn’t seem to have that extra gear we saw in Olympic trials during the race.

That wasn’t even close to the same runner we saw hit a 10.72 during Olympic trials earlier this year. It certainly didn’t look like the 6th fastest woman of all-time.

She was asked about her performance after the race. She had lots to say.

“This is one race. I’m not done. Count me out if you want to. Talk all the [expletive] you want. Because I’m here to stay. I’m not done. I’m the 6th fastest woman in this game — ever. And can’t nobody ever take that from me.” 

Sheesh. She didn’t hold anything back there.

Now, look. Richardson mentioned she’s been off for a month. No one could’ve expected a 9th place finish, but we also shouldn’t have expected her to win this race, either. A month is a long time when compared to folks who are already in Olympic shape.

But, regardless of her loss, it’s pretty clear she’s still very confident in herself despite her finish — and rightfully so. We’ve seen what she’s done and how great she is on the track.

It’s just a matter of her getting back to that level. And in knowing her history with this sport, we should all expect her to.