American sprint sensation Sha’Carri Richardson may not have been among the competitors at the Xiamen Diamond League, but her presence at the Egret Stadium certainly did not go unnoticed. The reigning world 100m champion traveled to China to support her boyfriend, Christian Coleman, who was among the star athletes contesting the men’s 100m event on Saturday.
While Richardson did not compete, she was full of praise for the venue, taking to her Instagram stories to express her admiration. “This is a beautiful stadium for track and field,” she posted, highlighting the impressive setting at Xiamen’s Egret Stadium, which played host to the season-opening Diamond League meeting.
The event, however, did not go as hoped for Coleman. The 2019 World Champion in the 100m sprint struggled against stiff competition, ultimately finishing fourth. South African sprinter Akani Simbine stole the show, crossing the line in 9.99 seconds to clinch victory. Simbine finished ahead of Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala, who clocked 10.13 seconds, and Great Britain’s Jeremiah Azu, who came in third with a time of 10.17 seconds. Coleman, meanwhile, recorded 10.18 seconds, narrowly missing out on a podium finish.
Despite her boyfriend’s disappointing result, Richardson appeared to maintain a positive outlook, focusing more on the vibrant atmosphere and top-class facilities on display at the Chinese venue. Her comments not only applauded the infrastructure but also hinted at her appreciation for the growing global appeal of track and field events beyond the traditional powerhouses of Europe and the United States.
Richardson is no stranger to the Egret Stadium, having competed there herself just a year ago. In 2024, she opened her outdoor season in Xiamen with a strong performance in the 200m, where she finished second. Her decision to skip this year’s event, despite traveling with Coleman, has fueled speculation about her carefully planned buildup towards defending her world title later this season.
The American sprint star has been methodical in her approach to 2025, choosing her competitions selectively as she seeks to peak at the right time. Her presence in Xiamen, even as a supporter rather than a competitor, underscores her commitment to the sport and to her personal relationships.
Coleman, for his part, will be looking to regroup quickly as the Diamond League season progresses. While a fourth-place finish is far from a disaster, he will no doubt be aiming for sharper performances in upcoming races to reassert himself among the world’s sprinting elite.
Meanwhile, Simbine’s victory serves as a reminder that the battle for supremacy in men’s sprinting remains wide open. With the Olympic Games in Paris just a few months away, performances like this will only intensify the competitive landscape.
As for Richardson, her endorsement of the Xiamen facility may encourage other athletes to look forward to competing there. Her words add significant weight, given her stature in the sport, and shine a light on China’s growing investment in track and field.
While her season debut is still awaited, Richardson’s presence in Xiamen — and her public praise of the venue — ensures she remains very much a central figure in the athletics conversation, even when she is not on the starting blocks.