The 2025 USATF Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, brought its usual share of drama and high-stakes performances — but this year, the women’s 100m event delivered a plot twist that left fans both stunned and frustrated. Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas and reigning world champion Sha’Carri Richardson, two of America’s brightest sprinting stars, both withdrew from the 100m semifinals, dramatically altering the competition’s landscape and raising questions about Team USA’s sprint dominance.
Gabby Thomas, fresh off her memorable 200m gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, entered the championships as one of the meet’s biggest attractions. However, her decision to step away from the 100m semis was strategic rather than injury-related. Thomas has made it clear that her main goal in Eugene is to defend her U.S. title in the 200m — the event where she’s arguably at her most dangerous. By conserving energy and focusing entirely on her signature distance, Thomas is betting on quality over quantity. Fans may have been disappointed not to see her in both events, but her choice could pay off with another national crown.
Sha’Carri Richardson’s exit from the 100m semis, on the other hand, came as a bigger surprise. Known for her explosive starts, unshakable confidence, and electric presence on the track, Richardson had already clocked a season-best 11.07 in the heats. Yet, she chose to withdraw, citing no official injury. The reigning 100m world champion has the luxury of a bye into the upcoming Tokyo World Championships, which may have influenced her decision. For Richardson, skipping the semifinals might be less about the moment and more about the bigger picture — ensuring she’s fresh, healthy, and ready to defend her world title later in the season.
The withdrawals sparked an immediate wave of fan reaction, especially on X (formerly Twitter), where sprinting enthusiasts expressed their disappointment. Many lamented the lack of marquee matchups in the 100m semifinals, while others voiced frustration over limited broadcast access that made following the meet even more challenging. When two of the biggest names in track and field sit out an event, it’s bound to sting — particularly for those hoping to see them go head-to-head in peak form.
Still, both athletes remain crucial to Team USA’s sprint hopes. Thomas is widely expected to dominate the 200m, where her combination of speed and endurance makes her one of the toughest competitors in the world. Richardson’s guaranteed spot in Tokyo ensures that, despite missing out on this weekend’s 100m showdown, she’ll still have the chance to shine on the global stage.
Their absences at USATF serve as a reminder of the sport’s physical and strategic demands. The championship schedule is notoriously grueling, requiring athletes to balance ambition with longevity. For Thomas and Richardson, the decision to withdraw might not have been what fans wanted, but it could be exactly what they need to stay at the top of their game when it matters most.
As the Eugene meet continues, the spotlight now shifts to the athletes who will step into the gap left by these two sprint queens. Meanwhile, fans and Team USA will keep their eyes on the horizon — eager to see both Thomas and Richardson back at full throttle when the stakes are even higher.