Sha’Carri Richardson emerged victorious in the Stawell Gift, becoming only the third woman to achieve this feat from scratch. Richardson joins Bree Rizzo (2025) and Melissa Breen (2012) in accomplishing this achievement.
Richardson’s Triumph From Scratch
Richardson overcame a 10-metre disadvantage to win Australia’s Stawell Gift from the back of the field. At the event, athletes are given handicaps based on form and ability. The Olympic 100m silver medallist had to run the full 120 metres and overtake the entire field to win the title.
The 26-year-old clocked 13.08 seconds in the final on the uphill grass track. This was the fastest women’s time in the event’s 148-year history.
Richardson beat Australian 19-year-old Charlotte Nielsen, who started with a nine-metre head-start. She claimed the A$40,000 (£20,900) prize.
‘Unbeatable’ Support and Excitement
Richardson, a former world 100m champion, almost missed the final after easing up before the line in her semi-final. She said she knew she would win well before the finish line. “I think I realised I was going to win right past 90 metres,” Richardson told Australian broadcaster Seven Network.
“This is one of the most exciting, fun and entertaining track meets I’ve ever ran in, not even just that, but the love, the true love and support for track and field, unbeatable.”
Other Competitors at Stawell
The three-day competition in Stawell featured more than 700 competitors. A total of A$155,000 (£81,000) in prize money was offered.
Jamaican Asafa Powell, Britain’s Linford Christie and Australian great Cathy Freeman have competed at the event since it was first held in 1878.
Richardson’s partner and fellow American sprinter Christian Coleman, holder of the indoor 60m world record, contested the men’s event. He was eliminated in the semi-finals, finishing fifth in 12.48 seconds.
The men’s event was won by Australian 21-year-old Olufemi Komolafe in 11.93 off a five-metre start. Runner-up Jake Ireland started at 4.5m.