Sha’Carri Richardson

EUGENE, Ore. — Sha’Carri Richardson continued her march toward the Paris Olympics on Saturday at the Prefontaine Classic, winning the women’s 100 meters in 10.83 seconds.

Kenyan Beatrice Chebet s et a world record in the 10,000 meters at the Pre earlier in the day with a time of 28 minutes, 54.14 seconds, while American Christian Coleman won the day’s other notable event, the men’s 100, in a season-best 9.95.

But the spotlight was on the battle between Richardson, the 2023 world champion, and Jamaican Elaine Thompson-Herah, the reigning Olympic gold medalist in both the 100 and 200 meters.

Thompson-Herah faded at the Pre, finishing last in the field of nine. The charismatic Richardson, wearing her long hair tied back in a ponytail, muscled her way to the finish and dramatically pushed off the tape remnants.