The women’s 100-meter sprint has been dominated by Jamaican runners over the last decade.
Since the 2012 London Games, Jamaican sprinters have won gold in four straight Olympics and
have racked up ten of the twelve medals overall. But just days before the event, Jamaican
Shericka Jackson, one of the favorites, withdrew from the race, adding more intrigue. Let’s
break down some of the sprinters who could hit the top of the podium in Paris.
Sha’Carri Richardson, United States -250
She is America's best hope to dethrone the Jamacians but Sha’Carri Richardson has had quite
the ride over the last couple of years. She won the US Trials in 2021 only to get disqualified for
having marijuana in her system and missed the Tokyo Games in 2020. But she won gold at the
2023 World Championships in Budapest, in a record time of 10.65, and her road for redemption
could pay off in Paris.
Julien Alfred, Saint Lucia +450
Julien Alfred is now expected to give Richardson her toughest challenge. Last season she
finished fifth at the 2023 World Championships and posted her best time of 10.78 seconds at
the Racers Grand Prix in Jamaica in June.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Jamaica, +1400
She is the queen of sprinting over the last 2 decades and hasn’t missed the podium in each of
the last four Olympic Games. Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce won back to back gold medals in 2008
and 2012, followed by a bronze (2016) and silver (2020) in the 100-meter sprint. In 2022, she
ran six races under 10.70 but the following year Fraser-Pryce dealt with injuries. Her personal
best, 10.60. At 37, this is likely her last kick at it, and still has the experience and pedigree to
win her third gold in this event.
Women's 100m Gold Medal Odds
Sha'Carri Richardson -250
Julien Alfred +450
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce +1400
Melissa Jefferson +1600
Tia Clayton +2500
Dina Asher-Smith +2000
Marie-Josee Ta Lou +4000
Twanisha Terry +5000