Was Sha'Carri Richardson denied entry from Olympics? What happened to Team USA sprinter before 100m race

Sha'Carri Richardson made headlines after finishing second in the Olympic women's 100m final, but the hardware didn't come without some hiccups the day of the competition. 

Track and field athletes have very specific warm-up rituals that help get them in the correct mindset for their race. Any disruption to this process can massively put an athlete off their game.

Unfortunately for Richardson, her preparation time was affected by an unforeseen circumstance that could have thrown off her performance. 

Here's everything to know about the American sprinter being denied entry to the competition before her 100m race.

2024 PARIS OLYMPICS
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Was Sha'Carri Richardson denied entry from her Olympic 100m race?

Richardson, as well as Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, were victim to a last-minute rule change stating all competitors for track and field events can only enter through the main gate on team buses. Both athletes are not staying in the Olympic Village and therefore took private vehicles to the venue.

DeCOURCY: After missing Tokyo Olympics, Richardson missed the start of biggest race in her career

When they arrived at the Stade de France warm-up area before their semifinal and final heats in the 100m event, Richardson and Fraser-Pryce were denied entry. They were told to go in from another entrance and missed valuable warm-up time because of a rule change they allegedly were not made aware of. 

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce 🇯🇲 and Sha'carri Richardson 🇺🇸 are not being allowed into the warmup area in Paris through their normal route!

They have to go another distance to get into the warmup area. Their 100m semis is this evening.#Paris2024   pic.twitter.com/u0PYQvw6lv

— Track & Field Gazette (@TrackGazette) August 3, 2024

Fraser-Pryce was recorded while they were waiting to be let in, expressing her disappointment with the situation. She said they changed the rule the day before the event and did not make it clear to the athletes who weren't staying in the Olympic Village.

The five-time Olympian eventually withdrew just before her semifinal heat, ending her run at the Games. Olympic officials said she suffered an undisclosed injury, per the AP.

MORE: How many medals has Sha'Carri Richardson won?

Women's 100m final results

Richardson still managed to get on the podium, earning silver behind Julien Alfred of St. Lucia. Melissa Jefferson claimed bronze for the Americans, as well. After sweeping the podium in 2021, Jamaica's lone athlete in the final, Tia Clayton, finished seventh. 

MORE: Olympics 100-meter men's final results

Sha'Carri Richardson race schedule

Richardson's remaining event is the 4x100m relay, with the preliminary round on Thursday and final on Friday. 

Thursday, Aug. 8

Friday, Aug. 9