Jayla Johnson 
Sha’Carri Richardson recently qualified for the 2024 Olympics after dominating the Olympic trials. She scored a 10.71-second sprint in the 100 meters at the U.S. track trials on Saturday June 22, making her the fastest woman in the world this year which is an astounding accomplishment for the 24-year-old athlete. According to AP News, these were the same trials she won in 2021 but had the title stripped away due to a positive marijuana test. Nonetheless, she has proven once again that she can persevere through it all. “I feel honored,” Richardson said. “I feel every chapter I’ve been through in my life prepared me for this moment.”
Along with her advancing to represent team USA in Paris will be Melissa Jefferson, finishing
second in the qualifying finals with a time of 10.80, and Twanisha Terry, finishing third with
10.89.
The 2024 Olympics will be held in Paris from July 26 to August 11. Among the three fastest
women in the country, there are more Black star-athletes to keep a lookout for and root for in the
coming games:
Noah Lyles
An Olympic medalist, having won bronze in the men’s 200m race at the 2020 Tokyo Summer
Olympics. Lyles is a two-time world champion in the 200m, making him a dominant force in
sprinting.
Simone Biles
Who is one of the most anticipated gymnasts in this year’s event of gymnastics, Biles is already a
legend in her sport. With a combined total of 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, she
is the most “decorated gymnast of all time”.
Shilese Jones
A prominent gymnast who has shown much resilience as an athlete, Shilese Jones was first
picked as an alternate for the Olympics in Tokyo, which solidified her spot and potential to
represent team USA. Now recognized as the USA’s No. 2 athlete in gymnastics this year, she has the chance to be a beacon of hope for team USA and a symbol of the new generation of gymnasts.
Erriyon Knighton
When Knighton qualified for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 at the age of 17, he became the
youngest male since Jim Ryun in 1964 to make the U.S. Olympic team. Knighton is setting
records at an early age, and his potential to become one of the greatest sprinters in history is
clear.
These Black athletes are not only excelling in their respective sports but are also breaking
records, overcoming significant challenges, and inspiring future generations. Their
accomplishments are historic, representing pure excellence in the world of sports. They
exemplify the power of dedication, resilience, and the impact of diverse representation in
athletics. This is a special time for the culture, as these athletes continue to redefine what is
possible, leaving an influential mark in Olympic history.
By Jayla Johnson, Illinois State University Alum
Instagram: Jaylalj_
True Star Media’s content is made possible thanks to donors like you. By donating at truestarmedia.org/donate you are helping to empower young creators and transform lives.
