Team USA fans went wild online for Sha’Carri Richardson as she took on her two closest opponents down the stretch before winning a gold medal in the 4×100-meter relay.
When Richardson took over, the United States was ranked fourth, but it quickly moved up to third, second, and finally first, a position it never relinquished.
With about 25 metres to go in the race, Richardson felt he had overtaken Britain’s Daryll Neita and looked towards the lane closest to the stands to confirm his position, which was directly in front of a camera tracking the competitors.
Richardson turned her head back before crossing the finish line, where she let out a loud scream upon winning gold.
Here’s what some Team USA fans thought about Richardson’s confident turn.
Sha’Carri Richardson looks to her Great Britain competition to confirm first place
Richardson won her first gold medal in the 4×100-meter relay with her stellar anchor leg.
‘Sha’Carri Richardson with the camera watching after securing the lead,’ one Team USA fan said on X.
“Sha’Carri Richardson just became a meme,” said another track fan.
‘SHA’CARRI RICHARDSON, YOU’RE AN OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST!’ one Team USA fan continued.
“Sha’Carri Richardson just wants more. Full stop,” concluded another American follower.
A collection of social media posts about Sha’Carri Richardson’s performance and career that earned her the gold medal
Richardson won her first gold medal with a comeback race that made her one of the fastest women in the world competing in her first Olympics.
Gabby Thomas, who handed the baton to Richardson, spoke of seeing her in the final stretch.
“You know she’s going to get the job done no matter where we are in the race,” Thomas said.
“We did a great job on every stage, but there was nothing like seeing her go around the track and win the race for us.”
Richardson herself attempted to share the credit.
“I just remember trusting my third leg, trusting Gabby and knowing she was going to put that club in my hand no matter what, and just putting my best foot forward on the court,” Richardson said.
