The 2024 Paris Olympics are in full swing, with the Athletics events set to begin on August 1. Among the many athletes competing, black women from Africa, the U.S., and the Caribbean are poised to make history, especially in the highly anticipated women’s 100m events. This event, historically dominated by black women, promises to showcase some of the fastest runners on the planet.
Leading the charge is Sha’Carri Richardson from the USA, known as the fastest woman in the world. Joining her are Julien Alfred from Saint Lucia, Jamaica’s Tia Clayton, and the USA’s Melissa Jefferson. These athletes are among the top contenders expected to shine on the grandest stage.
Initially, Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson was slated to compete in the 100m but has withdrawn, refocusing her efforts on the 200m events. Her absence leaves room for Shashalee Forbes to step in as her replacement on the Jamaican team.
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Top Black Women Athletes to Watch in the 100m Events
Sha’Carri Richardson (USA)
Sha’Carri Richardson stands out as the favorite to win gold in the 100m. In 2019, she burst onto the scene by setting a collegiate record of 10.75 seconds at the NCAA Division I Championships. At 24, she now holds the fastest time of the year with 10.71 seconds and boasts a personal best of 10.65 seconds. Richardson’s prowess was on full display at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, where she secured gold in both the 100m and 4x100m relay events. With Shericka Jackson’s withdrawal, Richardson is well-positioned to dominate the competition.
Julien Alfred (Saint Lucia)
Julien Alfred is another formidable contender in the 100m. The 23-year-old sprinter recorded a 10.78-second finish in 2024, making her the second-fastest woman this year. Alfred’s track record includes a gold medal in the 100m at the 2023 Central African and Caribbean Games and a silver medal at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Budapest. Her experience and speed make her a strong candidate for an upset.
Melissa Jefferson (USA)
Making her Olympic debut, Melissa Jefferson is another promising athlete from the USA. Jefferson has collected three gold medals in her last three international competitions and holds a personal best of 10.80 seconds. She is expected to perform impressively, alongside teammate Sha’Carri Richardson.
Tia Clayton (Jamaica)
At just 19 years old, Tia Clayton will carry Jamaica’s hopes in the women’s 100m events. Although this is her first Olympics, Clayton has already made a mark as the fifth-fastest woman globally this year with a 10.86-second finish. She is one of the most promising young talents, with two gold medals from the World U20 Championships and success at the CARIFTA Games.
Rosemary Chukwuma (Nigeria)
Rosemary Chukwuma, the sixth-fastest woman in 2024, represents Nigeria. Since 2018, Chukwuma has consistently competed in the 100m, with notable performances in the 4x100m relay at the Commonwealth Games and the African U20 Championships. She recorded a personal best of 10.88 seconds this year and remains a strong contender for a podium finish.
As the 100m events unfold, we will closely follow these athletes’ journeys and achievements.
