On August 3 at Stade de France, under a soft Paris rain, the women’s 100 m final became a moment of raw emotion and shared humanity. Julien Alfred leaped from the blocks, driving ahead to a stirring 10.72 s—Saint Lucia’s first Olympic gold. Sha’Carri Richardson claimed silver at 10.87s while Melissa Jefferson-Wooden took bronze with a 10.92s, representing the first time American runners have won two medals in the event since Atlanta 1996. Now, the Olympic podium once again faced each other on the track in the Prefontaine Classic. But this time, it wasn’t the gold medalist or the fan favorite who crossed the line first!
Sha’Carri Richardson walked into Eugene to defend her 100m title in the Prefontaine Classic. On May 25, 2024, in Eugene, Richardson claimed her first 100 m race of the Olympic year, scorching the track in 10.83 s to secure gold. But this changed this year. Melissa Jefferson-Wooden not only beat the 2024 Olympic gold medalist, Julien Alfred but also Sha’Carri Richardson to win the Pre Classic 100m at the 2025 Prefontaine Classic.
American sprinter Melissa Jefferson-Wooden stormed to victory with a 10.75 into a -1.5 headwind, edging out Julien Alfred, who clocked 10.77 for second. As for Sha’Carri Richardson—widely hailed as one of the sport’s GOATs—she stumbled to an unexpected 11.19, finishing last in 11th place.
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden beats Olympic champion Julien Alfred to win the Pre Classic 100m running 10.75 into a -1.5 headwind! #Pre50
Sha’Carri Richardson 9th in 11.19 pic.twitter.com/HfcIJY33qs
— Travis Miller (@travismillerx13) July 5, 2025
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