Melissa Jefferson and Twanisha Terry, who came in second and third, secured their spots for the 2024 Paris Games along with Richardson. All three train together at Star Athletics.
"It really solidifies the hard work we've put in this year," Richardson said. "I'm thrilled to move ahead with my teammates."
Richardson clocked 10.86 in her semifinal and 10.88 in the opening round on Friday, the fastest among 34 sprinters. Despite a stumble at the start, she stayed calm and focused.
"I didn't get the start I've been practicing for," Richardson told NBC after her Friday win. "But I didn't panic. I stayed patient and kept running my race, no matter what."
At 24 years old, Richardson heads to the Paris Games following an exceptional year in American sprinting. She set a blazing time of 10.65 at the world championships in Budapest, setting a new event record. Although Florence Griffith-Joyner's 10.49 world record from 35 years ago remains untouched. Richardson also won gold in the 4x100m relay and took home bronze in the 200-meter event at the same championships.
Paris presents a shot at redemption for Richardson, who missed the 2020 Olympics despite winning the trials. She tested positive for THC and couldn't compete in Tokyo, explaining on NBC's "TODAY" show that she used it after her mother's passing.
"I understand my actions and the consequences," Richardson said then. "I'm not seeking sympathy, but at that point in my life, coping with my mother's death was incredibly tough."
SOURCE: NBC News