Sha’Carri Richardson hasn’t even competed yet, much less claimed a medal, but she’s already looking to be one of the breakout stars of the Paris Games. “I’m not back, I’m better,” she told the world after winning the 100-meter title in 10.82 seconds at the US championships in July 2023—and based on everything she’s done since, that statement checks out.
Richardson’s long and winding road to the Olympics is well-known: She was booted from Team USA ahead of the Tokyo Games in 2021 after testing positive for THC, the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency. While the controversial move prompted an outcry—marijuana is legal in many US states, including Oregon, where Richardson had competed in the Olympic Trials—the track star took full responsibility for violating WADA’s rules. “I know what I’m not allowed to do and I still made that decision,” she said. “[I’m] not making an excuse or looking for any empathy.”
Since then, Richardson has continued making waves in the track world. In addition to winning the 100-meter title at the 2023 US championships, she also claimed multiple medals at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest: gold in the 100 meters and bronze in the 200. As if that wasn’t enough, she was also a “crucial member” of the US’s gold-winning 4x100m relay team, according to her Team USA profile. And in the run-up to the Paris Games (see what we did there?), she finished first in the 100 meters at the US Olympic Trials in June.
Now, in Paris, it’s finally Richardson’s time to shine at the Olympics—and you don’t want to miss her moment in the sun (or the elaborate manicure she’ll no doubt be sporting for the occasion). Here, we break down everything you need to know about when and where to watch her do what she does best: run really, really fast.
What events is Richardson competing in?
In short: the 100 meters and (probably) the 4x100m relay. Going into the US Olympic Trials in June, Richardson was widely considered a top-three candidate for the 200 meters as well, but she failed to place, finishing fourth in the final, according to the Associated Press.
Richardson is set to make her Olympic track debut at the women’s 100-meter qualifiers on August 2. Held at the Stade de France, France’s largest stadium, the prelims will take place at 10:35 a.m. Paris time (4:35 a.m. EST, since Paris is six hours ahead of New York) and the first round at 11:50 a.m. Paris time (5:50 a.m. EST)—so if you want to catch them live, you’re going to want to set your alarm.
From there, assuming Richardson makes the cut, it’s on to the semi-final (7:50 p.m. Paris time, or 1:50 p.m. EST on August 3) and then the final (9:20 p.m. Paris time, or 3:20 p.m. EST on August 3).
Richardson is also likely to make the US women’s 4x100m relay team (though the lineup hasn’t been announced yet), so odds are good she’ll be back on the track five days later. Round one of the relay is scheduled for 11:10 a.m. Paris time (5:10 a.m. EST) on August 8, and the final will air the following day at 7:30 p.m. Paris time (1:30 p.m. EST).
Where can I watch Richardson compete?
Have cable? You don’t need to bother buying any subscriptions or downloading any apps—just turn on the TV to watch to your heart’s content. Sports Illustrated reports that all four 100-meter events (the qualifiers, first round, semifinal, and final) will be airing on USA Network and E!. Check out NBC’s track and field TV listings for more detailed info.
