Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Sends Shockwaves Through Track World with Blazing 10.73s—Is Sha’Carri’s Crown at Risk?
Sha’Carri Richardson has long been the face of American sprinting—celebrated by legends like Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Justin Gatlin, and Carl Lewis. But in the unpredictable world of track and field, greatness is constantly challenged. And now, 24-year-old Melissa Jefferson-Wooden may have just thrown down the gauntlet.
At the Grand Slam Track meet in Philadelphia, with the historic Franklin Field as the backdrop, Jefferson-Wooden lit up the track. Wearing black shorts and a white top, she exploded out of the blocks in the women’s 100m. The crowd’s silence broke only for the sound of spikes striking rubber. As the commentator exclaimed, “Look at Jefferson, already got a big start,” it was clear this wasn’t just another race.
10.73s!!!🤯🔥
World Lead ☑️Melissa Jefferson-Wooden 🇺🇸 has just gone out to a stunning 10.73s (1.4) to win the women’s 100m at GST Philadelphia!
She is now 10th fastest alltime, alongside Christine Arron.
Jefferson-Wooden has now swept the 100/200m at Grand Slam Track 3… pic.twitter.com/OpgruOyk2x
— Track & Field Gazette (@TrackGazette) June 1, 2025
The moment Jefferson-Wooden crossed the finish line in 10.73 seconds, she didn’t just win the race—she shattered expectations. That time is the fastest women’s 100m of the 2025 season, placing her 5th among American sprinters all-time and 10th in the world. The victory also came in a field that included reigning Olympic champion Gabby Thomas, whom she left trailing behind.
While Jefferson-Wooden surged into history, Sha’Carri Richardson’s season has been quiet. She’s only raced once so far in 2025, finishing fourth at the Seiko Golden Grand Prix in Tokyo with a time of 11.47s. In that race, she was bested by Bree Rizzo, Twanisha Terry, and Sade McCreath. It was a surprising result from a sprinter once seen as unstoppable.
Jefferson-Wooden’s performance has reignited debate: has a new queen emerged in the 100m? Is Sha’Carri’s throne truly under threat?
Jefferson-Wooden, who also swept the 100m and 200m titles at the Grand Slam Track 3, is riding a wave of momentum—and with the Olympic season approaching, the pressure is building. Her blistering 10.73s has fans and critics alike asking: is this the beginning of a new era?
Sha’Carri still has the legacy, the flair, and the following—but as Melissa Jefferson-Wooden just proved, legacy can be challenged at the sound of the starter’s gun.