Sha’Carri Richardson’s 2025 Season: Can She Become the Fastest Woman in History?

By Jayson Panganiban June 10, 2025 09:14

Sha’Carri Richardson, the American sprint sensation and reigning world champion, enters the 2025 season with high expectations and a clear goal: to cement her place as the fastest woman in history. After her historic 10.65-second 100-meter victory at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest marking the fifth-fastest time ever recorded Richardson has become a beacon of speed and resilience in track and field.

A Rocky Start to 2025

Richardson’s 2025 campaign began with a surprising stumble. At the Golden Grand Prix in Tokyo on May 18, she finished fourth in the 100 meters with a time of 11.47 seconds, well off her personal best and championship-winning form. The race was hampered by a headwind of -0.9 m/s, but Richardson’s performance was nonetheless below expectations. She also faced a false start and a green card warning, which disrupted her rhythm. The race was won by Australia’s Bree Rizzo in 11.38 seconds, with Richardson’s training partner Twanisha Terry finishing second.

After the race, Richardson’s succinct response was “No,” reflecting her dissatisfaction. She quickly left the venue, signaling that this was not the form she aims to display in a pivotal year that includes the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September. Despite this early setback, insiders and analysts suggest it is too soon to read too much into this performance. Richardson holds a world wild card entry into the World Championships, allowing her to focus on peaking later in the season.

The Road to Redemption and Greatness

Richardson’s journey has been marked by resilience. After missing the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to a suspension, she returned stronger, capturing the 2023 World Championship gold with a championship record time of 10.65 seconds. She described that victory as a testament to her hard work and faith, saying, “I feel amazing. I feel like hard work pays off. I’ve been dedicating myself. I’ve been keeping my faith strong this season and just believing and knowing whatever you practice is what you put forward, and I’m grateful.”

Her 10.65-second run places her just behind Florence Griffith-Joyner’s longstanding world record of 10.49 seconds set 35 years ago a mark many consider untouchable. Richardson’s performance, however, has reignited the conversation about whether the record can be broken in the near future. As she prepares for the 2025 World Championships, the question looms: can she become the fastest woman ever?

What It Will Take

To surpass Griffith-Joyner’s record and become the fastest woman in history, Richardson must combine peak physical condition with flawless execution. The early season struggles suggest she is still fine-tuning her form. Experts note that the 2025 season’s schedule allows for a gradual build-up, with the World Championships final slated for September 14 in Tokyo the same venue where she stumbled in May.

Richardson’s coach and training team will likely focus on sharpening her start and acceleration phases, which were problematic in her season opener. Historically, Richardson’s explosive starts and top-end speed have been her strengths. If she can regain that form, she will be a formidable contender not only for medals but potentially for rewriting the record books.

Looking Ahead

Sha’Carri Richardson’s 2025 season is a story of potential and pressure. As she aims to defend her world title and chase history, the track world watches closely. Her journey embodies the highs and lows of elite sport moments of triumph shadowed by setbacks. Yet, Richardson’s confidence remains unshaken. She has declared herself “still that girl, but better, stronger, and wiser,” signaling a mental and emotional maturity that could fuel her quest for greatness.

In the coming months, all eyes will be on Richardson as she sharpens her speed and strategy. If she can harness her talent and overcome early-season hurdles, the dream of becoming the fastest woman in history may well be within reach.