Sha’Carri Richardson overcomes 10m handicap to win Stawell Gift
American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson has become only the third woman in history to win Australia’s prestigious Stawell Gift from the back of the field, overcoming a handicap of up to 10 metres.
The Olympic 100m silver medallist raced from the ‘scratch’ mark in the unique handicap event, meaning she was required to run the full 120 metres and overtake every other competitor.
Competing on an uphill grass track, the 26-year-old clocked a remarkable 13.08 seconds in the final to record the fastest women’s time in the 148-year history of the competition.
She narrowly edged out 19-year-old Australian Charlotte Nielsen, who had begun with a nine-metre head-start, to claim the £20,900 prize pot.
Record-breaking run follows semi-final scare
The former 100m world champion almost missed out on the showpiece entirely after easing up too early before the finish line in her semi-final race.
However, the lightning-fast athlete made no such mistake in the decisive heat, later revealing she knew victory was secured well before the conclusion.
“I think I realised I was going to win right past 90 metres,” she 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.”
Coleman misses out as Komolafe takes men’s title
The historic three-day competition, held in the rural town of Stawell, featured more than 700 athletes competing for a share of the £81,000 total prize fund.
Fellow American sprinter Christian Coleman, who is the reigning indoor 60m world record holder, also contested the men’s event but failed to reach the final.
The 28-year-old former men’s 100m world champion was eliminated in the semi-finals after finishing fifth in a time of 12.48 seconds.
Instead, 21-year-old Australian Olufemi Komolafe secured the men’s title, crossing the line in 11.93 seconds from a five-metre starting mark.
Historic pedigree attracts global stars
The iconic Stawell track has a rich history of drawing global superstars to its unique grass surface.
Jamaican great Asafa Powell, Britain’s Linford Christie and home favourite Cathy Freeman are among the elite champions to have competed at the festival since its inception in 1878.
