Christian Coleman, a former world champion sprinter, is among the athletes aiming to shift the spotlight back to his athletic performance in 2025 after rumors of his relationship with Sha’Carri Richardson dominated headlines throughout 2024.
The 28-year-old started the 2024 season strong, dominating indoor events, but struggled in outdoor competitions. He won the Millrose Games, the US Indoor Championships, and the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, in March.
His momentum continued with a victory at the season-opening Xiamen Diamond League, and he followed that with strong finishes in April, taking second place in the 100m and 200m events at Suzhou. Coleman also clinched a 100m victory at the Prefontaine Classic in May.
However, things took a downturn during the Olympic trials, where Coleman, considered a favorite, failed to secure a spot in the 100m and 200m events.
Meanwhile, rumors about his relationship with fellow sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson were circulating, with the two frequently spotted together at races. While they never publicly confirmed the relationship, their affectionate moments on social media led fans to believe they were more than just friends.
At the Paris Olympics, the spotlight was on athletes like Noah Lyles, Fred Kerley, and Kenny Bednarek, leaving Coleman with little room for redemption. He had one final chance in the 4x100m relay, where he ran for Team USA alongside Bednarek, Kyree King, and Kerley. Unfortunately, the team was disqualified due to a botched baton exchange during Coleman’s leg, resulting in a seventh-place finish.
Despite finishing second in the Rome Diamond League and at the season finale in Brussels, 2024 was a year full of disappointment for Coleman, as his personal life overshadowed his athletic achievements.
Now working with Richardson’s coach, Dennis Mitchell, Coleman will look to recover in 2025 and use the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, as an opportunity to prove himself.
