Richardson and Coleman at Stawell Gift
MELBOURNE (AUS): Sha’Carri Richardson and Christian Coleman have arrived in Australia ahead of their highly anticipated debut at the Powercor Stawell Gift (4th and 6th April). Both are preparing to compete over 120 m on grass in a handicapped field, lining up as backmarkers on scratch as they chase down Australia’s best professional runners. Only two men and two women have been able to win the races off the scratch mark in the event’s 147-year history.
“I get to start my season off doing something I have never done before. I think that’s just going to be a marker for how my season is going to go for me. It’s definitely going to be a challenge, but I love a challenge,” said Richardson.
“I think I have the talent and the ability, and like Sha’Carri said, I will not leave the vicinity without giving everything that I have. I am a competitor, that’s just what it is… when everyone has the same circumstances, I like my odds,” said Coleman.
From the organizers’ release.