‘I Prayed for a Healthy Race’: Sha’Carri Richardson finds peace and purpose in Eugene return

After months of uncertainty and a season disrupted by injury, Sha’Carri Richardson returned to the track at the 2025 Prefontaine Classic in Eugene with one goal in mind—not a win, not a record, but simply a healthy race. And that’s exactly what she got.

The reigning world 100m champion, who revealed she suffered an injury setback in February, has had a slow start to the season. Her only previous 100m outing this year was an uncharacteristic 11.47s in Tokyo. But on Saturday at Hayward Field, Richardson crossed the line with a clean, confident performance that marked a turning point in her campaign.

‘The only motivation I had today was having a healthy race,” she said post-race. “I prayed for a healthy race, and I got a healthy race, so I accept that,’ she said post race.

Richardson, who has a bye into the 100m at the World Championships in Tokyo this September, is using the extended season to rebuild her rhythm and confidence. She emphasized that her focus now is on execution, faith, and mental preparation.

‘If you don’t believe in yourself first, you can’t expect anyone else to believe,’ she said. ‘When I’m 100%, there’s nothing that can really stop me but me.’

The 25-year-old also spoke about the energy of the Eugene crowd, calling Hayward Field a ‘magic stadium’ and praising the sold-out atmosphere as a rare show of respect for track and field in the U.S.

‘The magic is here, the love is here, and I appreciate it every single time.’

Looking ahead, Richardson plans to spend the next two weeks sharpening her speed endurance, with the goal of returning to Eugene for the U.S. Trials—this time not just for a healthy race, but a speedy one.

She also credited her training partner, Christian Coleman, for pushing her to be better every day.

‘He motivates me better than anybody else does, and I do the same for him.’