Sha’Carri Richardson went into the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo with high expectations but walked away from the women’s 100m final without a medal. The defending champion was unable to replicate her golden run from two years ago, finishing fifth in a stacked field that delivered drama, surprises, and fresh champions.
Richardson had a tough road to the final. She narrowly booked her place after finishing third in her semi-final heat, advancing as one of the fastest losers. In the final, she produced her season’s best time of 10.94 seconds, but it was not enough to secure a spot on the podium. The American sprint star crossed the line behind compatriot Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, who claimed gold, Jamaica’s Tina Clayton in silver, and St Lucia’s Julien Alfred who took bronze. Veteran Jamaican sprinter Shericka Jackson edged Richardson into fifth place.
Despite the disappointment, Richardson will not be leaving Tokyo empty-handed. World Athletics has put in place a structured prize money system that ensures all finalists receive financial rewards for their efforts. In Tokyo, the gold medalist in the women’s 100m received $70,000 (approximately Ksh9 million), silver came with $35,000 (Ksh4.5 million), and bronze was worth $22,000 (Ksh2.8 million). Athletes finishing fourth to eighth were also guaranteed prize money ranging from $16,000 to $5,000.
For finishing fifth, Richardson earned $11,000 (about Ksh1.4 million). While this is a respectable payout, it is a huge drop compared to the $70,000 she received when she was crowned world champion in Budapest in 2023.
The result is a reminder of just how competitive women’s sprinting has become. With Jefferson-Wooden rising to the occasion and Caribbean stars like Clayton and Alfred delivering powerful runs, Richardson faces an even tougher battle to reclaim her crown in the future. However, the American remains a vital part of Team USA’s relay squad. She will get another chance to chase a medal in Tokyo when she lines up with her teammates in the women’s 4x100m relay, an event where the United States traditionally excels.
For Richardson, the journey in Tokyo has been bittersweet from sneaking into the final to posting her best time of the year, only to fall short of the podium. Yet with prize money secured and another shot at gold in the relays, her championship campaign is far from over.
