Sha’Carri Richardson Makes History at 144th Stawell Gift in Australia
Richardson Makes Stawell Gift History Racing From Scratch in Australia
Sha’Carri Richardson did what only two women in history had done before her. The American sprint star won the 144th Stawell Gift on April 6 — racing from scratch over 120 metres on grass in Stawell, Victoria, to claim one of athletics’ most unique prizes.
Richardson started with no head start, caught the entire field by the 90-metre mark, and crossed in 13.15 seconds. She walked away with 40,000 Australian dollars and a place in the event’s history books — only Melissa Breen in 2012 and Bree Rizzo in 2025 had ever won from scratch before her.
The semi-final nearly derailed the story. Richardson leaned back at the finish line and almost let local runner Halle Martin steal the race, winning by just 0.007 seconds in a photo finish.
“Just make sure I’m patient that first 10 metres, like my coach told me today, and just executing the rest,” she said.
It was a fitting 2026 debut for the Paris Olympic silver medallist and 4×100 relay gold medallist. “One of the most exciting, fun, and entertaining track meets I’ve ever run in,” Richardson added.
Her boyfriend Christian Coleman competed in the men’s event. He didn’t make the final. She did — and won it in history-making fashion.