US sprint queen claims thrilling Stawell Gift win
Shayne Hope |
American sprint queen Sha’Carri Richardson has lived up to her star billing with a thrilling victory in the women’s Stawell Gift.
The 26-year-old became just the third woman to win the 120m handicap race off scratch, storming home to cross the finish line in 13.15 seconds at Central Park on Easter Monday.
Richardson won the 2023 100m world title and was second in the blue-riband sprint at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
But running on grass in a handicap race was a whole new experience for one of the biggest names in world track and field, one she handled with aplomb.
Richardson’s partner Christian Coleman was eliminated in the semis of the men’s Gift earlier on Monday.
Coleman, 30, holds the 60m indoor world record.
Australian Olufemi Komolafe won the men’s Stawell Gift ahead of Jake Ireland and Dutch hurdler Liam van der Schaaf.
Brendan Matthews was a late scratching from what would have been his fifth Stawell Gift final after damaging a hamstring crossing the finish line in his semi-final.
AAP