The sprint world is bracing for another heavyweight clash as Sha’Carri Richardson and Shericka Jackson circle the Prefontaine Classic on July 5, 2025.
This 100m dash brings a fierce rivalry packed with history, personal bests, redemption, and a chance to rewrite women’s sprinting history.
Both sprinters currently share a personal best of 10.65 seconds in the 100m, and both have established themselves as modern track icons.
A Season of Contrasts
Sha’Carri Richardson, known for her bold personality and blazing finishes, opened her 2025 season with a disappointing 11.47 seconds at the Seiko Golden Grand Prix in Tokyo, a performance that raised eyebrows given her spectacular 2023 World Championship title and her resurgence at last year’s Prefontaine Classic, where she clocked 10.84 seconds for the win.
Adding to the concern, Richardson was seen with strapping on her lower right leg and was sluggish out of the blocks, ultimately finishing fourth behind Australia’s Bree Rizzo. But if track history has taught us anything, it’s that Sha’Carri starts slow but finishes spectacularly. Just last year, she opened her season with pedestrian times before ending the year as the world’s fastest woman.
On the flip side, Shericka Jackson, arguably the most consistent sprinter in recent years, has already laid down a solid marker this season, clocking 11.04 seconds at the Diamond League opener in Rabat. While not earth-shattering, it’s nearly half a second faster than Richardson’s season opener and enough to set the early pace for what could become another dominant season for the Jamaican star.
Rivalry on the Rise
Shericka Jackson’s Prefontaine record is elite. In 2021, she clocked 10.76 seconds for third, followed by a showdown in 2022 where Richardson finished behind her again. But it was in 2023 that Jackson cemented her Pre dominance, winning both the 100m (10.70s) and a meet-record 200m (21.57s).
Meanwhile, Sha’Carri Richardson’s journey has been a rollercoaster. From finishing dead last at the 2021 Prefontaine Classic in 11.14 seconds after her controversial suspension to climbing the ranks with a 10.92-second finish in 2022, and finally conquering the world in 2023, Sha’Carri has shown resilience like no other. Her win at the 2024 Pre, beating a stacked field with 10.84 seconds, was a defining moment that proved she belonged in sprinting’s elite.
Why This Race Could Change Everything
If Shericka Jackson confirms her spot on the start list, the Prefontaine Classic could deliver one of the most consequential women’s 100m races in recent history.
Not only would it mark the latest chapter in their storied rivalry, but with both athletes capable of sub-10.70 performances, it could also challenge the all-time top performances list. Both athletes average between 10.78 and 10.88 seconds, meaning a perfect race could threaten meet records, or even national records.
More importantly, this race could establish who heads into the World Championships as the undisputed sprint queen. Julien Alfred, Melissa Jefferson, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will also feature, creating an elite showdown of sprinting’s fastest women.
