Top sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson turned heads at the 100 meter USA Track and Field championship in Eugene, Oregon, last week when she pulled off her orange wing and flung it moments before the race began. Richardson went on to win the race with a time of 10.82 seconds, securing herself a spot on Team USA, which will be competing in August at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
Checking in with track and field reporter Tiara Williams after the race, the 23-year-old Nike-sponsored athlete provided the symbolism of her wig toss. “Last time I was at this stadium,” she explained, I had my orange hair and I wanted to show you guys that I’m still that girl but I’m better, I’m still that girl but I’m stronger, I’m still that girl but I’m wiser. I had to shed the old and present the new!”
Richardson was referencing the orange wig she wore during the same race in 2021. She placed first in that race as well, though the result was removed from the records when not long after she tested positive for marijuana.
Richardson’s best 100 meter time this year is 10.71, which makes her the second fastest woman in the world. She’s outflanked only by Jamaican Shericka Jackson, the world’s No. 1 sprinter whose best 100 meter time this year is 10.65 seconds.
