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American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson is finally beginning to have the season that everyone knew she was capable of.

Apparently, she has begun to separate herself (a little) from the drama and gaucheness that distracted her from training and racing over the past two years. So far, this year, she has won three 100m sprints including a wind-aided 10.57, a 10.82 and a near-personal best of 10.76 — her best is 10.72 from 2020. On Saturday, she rocked Absa Kip Keino Stadium with her winning 200-metre performance.

First off the line and leading from the beginning to the end, the 23-year-old started her celebration 20m from the finish line — she would have challenged her best if she didn’t. Richardson’s performance was electrifying enough that spectators stood with loud cheers for the performance. She won handily in the time of 22.07, which is a new meet record. Her personal best is from 2020 when she ran 22.0 seconds flat in Florida.

Kyra Jefferson finished in second place in the time of 22.77, while Ray Shannon took third in a personal best of 22.82.

“It was amazing winning here in Nairobi and the season is good but I look forward to a better one. We still have a few events before the World Championships,” said Richardson.

Although she seems more focused on her sprint career, you can’t take the Texas out of the girl. Organizers of the Kip Keino Classic had tried to talk Richardson out of the 200m and into the 100m to replace Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce who was unable to compete. They were unsuccessful. Over Twitter, she wrote a single line, “Y’all like for me to address this?”

Richardson will want to race with a little more focus as she nears the Budapest World Athletics Championships starting August 19. However, this race wasn’t even close. She appears to finally be having fun with her career.

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