Team USA fans went wild online for Sha’Carri Richardson, as she stared down her two closest opponents on the home straight before winning a gold medal in the 4×100 meter relay.
As Richardson was handed the baton, the United States was in fourth place. That quickly turned to third, second, and eventually the lead, which she never relented.
With about 25 meters left in the race, Richardson felt like she had ran down Great Britain’s Daryll Neita, and looked over to the lane closest to the stands to confirm her placement, which was just in front of a camera staying with the competitors.
Richardson turned her head back straight before crossing the finish line, where she let out a loud scream upon winning gold.
Here is what some of the Team USA fans though of Richardson’s confident head turn.
Sha’Carri Richardson looks over at her competition from Great Britain to confirm first place
Richardson won her first gold medal in the 4×100 meter relay with her stellar anchor leg
‘Sha’Carri Richardson with the camera look over after she secured the lead!,’ one Team USA fan said on X.
‘Sha’Carri Richardson just became a meme,’ another track and field fan stated.
‘SHA’CARRI RICHARDSON, YOU ARE AN OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST!!!’ a Team USA fan continued.
‘Sha’Carri Richardson just wants it more. Full stop,’ another American supporter concluded.
A collection of social-media messages about Sha’Carri Richardson’s gold-medal look and run
Richardson won her first gold medal with the come-from-behind run as one of the fastest women in the world competing in her first Olympics.
Gabby Thomas, who handed the baton to Richardson spoke about watching her down the final stretch.
‘You know she’s gonna get the job done no matter where we are in the race,’ Thomas said.
‘We did a great job every leg did a great job but there was nothing like watching her down the track and win the race for us.’
Richardson herself tried to share the credit.
‘I just remember trusting my third leg, trusting Gabby, and knowing that she’s going to put that stick in my hand no matter what, and to leave my best on the track,’ Richardson said.