Ato Boldon tips Richardson as favourite after running women century best at US trials

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Ato Boldon tips Richardson as favourite after running women century best at US trials

Sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson USA Track and Field championships are off to a flying start.

Richardson ran a world-leading time of 10.71 to win the first of four heats in the women’s 100 meters. The time is also a personal best for Richardson.

“What she just did in the first round, she’s the favorite,” NBC track and field analyst Ato Boldon said to USA TODAY Sports. “That 10.71 that she just ran is a personal best. It looks like if the wind cooperates (Friday) she could run a 10.5 here.”

Brittany Brown came in second at 10.96 and Tamara Clark rounded out the top three with 11.02.

The semifinals and finals in the women’s 100 meters are set for Friday.

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Richardson came into the U.S. championships as the top qualifier in the women’s 100.

Richardson is seeking a spot on the U.S. national team and a chance to compete for her first-ever world title.

The 23-year-old sprinter was suspended for one month for testing positive for marijuana after the U.S. track and field Olympic trials and didn’t compete in the Tokyo Olympics.