American sprint legend Gail Devers on why Sha’Carri Richardson is still the sprinter to beat despite Olympics setback

American sprint legend Gail Devers has come to the defense of Sha’Carri Richardson, emphasizing her resilience and the belief that the U.S. will reclaim gold at the LA 2028 Olympics, possibly with Richardson on the team.

Devers stated that despite Richardson not winning a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, she performed admirably. “Sha’Carri came in second, so we’re looking forward and I think everything happens for a reason. And I say the reason she didn’t get it is that it’s supposed to come back in American soil in 2028,” Devers noted, referencing her own gold medal win at the 1996 Atlanta Games.

She expressed confidence that American glory in sprinting will be restored, whether through Richardson or another capable athlete. “I think it doesn’t come easy, and it’s a target on your back once you get there. But it’s just about trusting and believing,” she added in an interview with Athlos.

Devers also praised Richardson’s performance, highlighting her silver medal finish in the women’s 100 meters, where she placed behind Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred. In the women’s 4x100m relay, Richardson helped Team USA secure victory despite receiving the baton later than her competitors.

“Oh absolutely, I’m always impressed with her. Everybody has a story, and her story is one of resilience. When the chips are down, she finds a way to come back,” Devers said, emphasizing the importance of support among women athletes.