Track and field recap, Aug. 2: Sha’Carri Richardson makes Olympic debut

RESULTS

Richardson’s first Olympic race was a beauty. The reigning world champion scorched the purple Stade de France track in 10.94 seconds to cruise to victory in her heat and qualify for Saturday’s semifinal round. In that heat, Luxembourg’s Patrizia van der Weken and Australia’s Bree Masters also qualified. Unlike in the 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and hurdles events, the 100m does not feature a repechage round, so only the top-three finishers qualify for the semifinal.

Julien Alfred of St. Lucia, another medal contender in the event, hit 10.95 seconds to win her heat and advance to the semi. Alfred won the 60m at the 2024 World Indoor Championships in March and is on a quest for Saint Lucia’s first-ever Olympic medal, in any sport.

The final 100m heat delivered the most riveting action of the morning. Great Britain’s Daryll Neita posted the top time at 10.92 seconds, just edging American Melissa Jefferson (10.96). Boglarka Takacs placed third, setting a Hungarian national record in the process with a run of 11.10 seconds to reach Saturday’s semi.

In the rest of the heats, medal contender Tia Clayton of Jamaica and Dina Asher-Smith of Great Britain both advanced smoothly, as did American Twanisha “TeeTee” Terry.