Sha’Carri Richardson Announces Her Comeback at the 2025 Seiko Golden Grand Prix
After months of speculation and a media spotlight focused more on red carpets than running tracks, Sha’Carri Richardson is finally returning to the sport that made her a global sensation. Known as much for her bold personality and striking fashion as her blazing speed, Richardson is shifting the attention back to the starting blocks. Fans who have waited anxiously for her next appearance now have their answer—she’s racing again, and the stage couldn’t be bigger.
Her last race of 2024 didn’t go as planned. On September 13 at the Brussels Diamond League, Richardson finished last in the 100m final with a time of 11.23 seconds. Since then, she’s been featured more in headlines for her award nominations and public appearances than on-track performances. Many wondered if her sprinting career was fading into the background. But with a dramatic social media post, Richardson confirmed that she’s far from finished. A video on Instagram showed her image flying across a map to Japan, landing on a marked date—Sunday, May 18—for the 2025 Seiko Golden Grand Prix in Tokyo. The caption was simple yet powerful: “Go time ✨.”
This return is timed perfectly, as Tokyo is also the host city for the 2025 World Athletics Championships. The meet will take place in Japan’s National Stadium, known for its fast track and energetic crowds. It’s a major opportunity for Richardson to re-establish herself as a serious contender on the global stage. If her form is on point, she may even mount a challenge for Florence Griffith-Joyner’s longstanding world records in the 100m (10.49 seconds) and 200m (21.34 seconds). Given Richardson’s sub-10.70 performances in previous seasons, such a feat is not out of reach.
Her upcoming race in Tokyo will be her first competitive outing since the Diamond League final, marking the end of a long absence from the track. Her silence throughout early 2025, including an unexpected withdrawal from the Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, left many fans frustrated. Now, she’s stepping back into the spotlight not through appearances, but performance.
This return also comes amid debate surrounding her recent BET Sportswoman of the Year nomination. While Richardson has had standout moments, including a gold medal in the 4x100m relay and silver in the 100m at the Paris Olympics, her performance dipped significantly afterward. Her last-place finish in Brussels and withdrawal from the 200m raised questions about her consistency and focus.
Despite this, her star power remains undeniable. She’s continued to appear at major events like the Met Gala and Super Bowl, and was featured prominently in Nike’s NOCTA campaign. Some critics argue these appearances suggest her priorities have shifted away from athletics, but others defend her, noting that her past achievements still command respect.
Now, with her comeback officially announced, the spotlight is firmly back on Richardson—not for fashion or fame, but for speed. The 2025 Seiko Golden Grand Prix could be the first major step in a renewed bid for global sprinting dominance. The world will be watching to see if she can deliver the performance that silences critics and rekindles her Olympic momentum.