To compete just after losing a final is a tough task to ask. But this is exactly what Sha’Carri Richardson had to face after losing the 100-meter finals to Julien Alfred. After settling for the silver in the 100m, Richardson had to rally herself for the 4x100m just five days later. Surely a mental battle. But instead of faltering, Richardson clinched the gold for her country as Team USA won the event. But as the woman responsible for pumping Richardson up for that victory, the fans are visibly stoked.
On August 4, Richardson was not in her best spirits. Touted as the favorite to win the 100m gold at the Paris Olympics, she fell short to St. Lucian Alfred. But she still had a task in hand. That was to represent her nation on August 9 for the relays. But while she did win, the woman who can be called the catalyst of this win was none other than the Mechelle Lewis Freeman.
Mechelle Lewis Freeman has been a pillar of the US relay team for several years now. She has been the primary reason for the relay team’s incredible dominance in recent years. Taking over the helm in 2015, Freeman has done a commanding job to make the relay team one of the best in the business. Under her guidance, the women’s 4x100m relay team clinched 8 medals altogether, including 3 Olympic ones.
The 4x400m team too has 12 medals to boast about their dominance. Certainly, with such an enviable CV, the future of the US women’s relay team looks to be in safe hands. Well, not really. Because just ahead of a major competition, Mechelle Lewis Freeman has dropped a major announcement.
The 2025 World Championship is just months away now. With three spots yet to be filled, Freeman’s decision comes as a shocker. She has decided to hand in her resignation! In a surprising turn of events, Freeman took to her Instagram on February 26, 2025, Wednesday, to share the shocking revelation.
She wrote, “My time as the USATF Head Women’s Relays Coach has come to an end. Thank you to my family and to those who believed in me. Thank you, Lord, for choosing me to show the world how to win against it all. To the athletes, keep making history and much love.” Freeman’s expertise had been one of the biggest plus points for the athletes.
Her ability to guide the team with composure during high-pressure global competitions elevated her to a legendary level. Moreover, her unique way of assessing the game has also been pivotal towards the relay team’s success. Going back to May 2024, Freeman shared one such unique example of how baton speed can play a monumental role in the selection process.
Speaking with CITIUS MAG, Freeman stated that, as a coach and athlete, she uses the baton speed to evaluate the performance of an athlete. “I would say the difference as an athlete from a coach and a relay is just making a selection a little bit objective for myself using the baton speed,” said Freeman. She pointed out that it gave her a clear idea of what to expect and also improved communication.
“It gives me a way to measure how our athletes are performing and so with that tangible way to decide where to place athletes, who to place,” Freemanfurther added. Thus, the sudden stepping down of such a stalwart coach is definitely a big blow for the side. After hearing the update, track and field fans too have been pouring in their reactions on social media.
Fans feel saddened by the sudden resignation of Mechelle Lewis Freeman
As soon as the post went viral, the fans started to flock to the comments section with their two cents. US track legend Justin Gatlin took to the comment section and expressed his heartfelt emotions at the news of Lewis Freeman’s retirement. Holding the hands of Coach Mechelle, the men’s and women’s track teams of the US grabbed the limelight and secured wins several times.
The track veteran himself stated, “Will never be the same an era of bonding championships and success, you are the best to ever do it!! You brought generations and differences together and created true success”. Coach Mechelle has guided several track sprinters together and molded them in a way that they give their best efforts on the track together to secure a relay medal.
One track enthusiast and fan was not ready to believe that the announcement coming from the coach herself was the actual reality. They added, “This can’t be real. I know it ain’t April yet, but I’m waiting on “April Fools.”The netizens have remained fans of Mechelle’s coaching technique, and they couldn’t completely accept the sudden retirement announcement.
Another netizen and well-wisher tried to look forward. Instead of remaining upset about her retirement, they supported her decision. They also added that while she is putting a pause on such a major responsibility, the almighty must be planning for something bigger and better for the Olympic medal-winning coach. “Big things to come!! Know that God has something bigger coming your way!! You are valued and appreciated, and we love you!! #champion”, read the comment.
One fan expressed their sadness over Mechelle Lewis Freeman’s retirement on one hand. On the other hand, she is waiting for the bigger announcement. They are waiting for the name to be announced by USATF, who would now cater to the role of Coach Mechelle. The fan also added that it might turn out to be a huge challenge for the new coach to fill in the shoes of Lewis Freeman.
They wrote, “ should we have several side eyes for USATF? It doesn’t matter; I already have them Thank you for everything. There will certainly be some HUGE shoes to fill for the next coach.”
One commenter expressed love and respect for the athlete turned coaching maestro and commented, “@mechellelewisfreeman your incredible ability to bring people together as well as your heart to change the sport and the individual lives who are in it will never go unnoticed. I’m super excited to see where God takes you for the next season of your life. Always love and respect, family.”
Thus, it is evident that the stepping down of Mechelle Lewis Freeman has left a gaping hole. Now, it remains to be seen if the US relay team can fill in the gaps and march on towards glory.
The post Fans Upset as Coach Behind Sha’Carri Richardson & Others’ Olympic Success Announces Retirement appeared first on EssentiallySports.