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Sha’Carri Richardson Wins Stawell Gift From Scratch in 13.15

The rare scratch victory in Australia’s storied 120‑metre handicap race shows elite speed can erase generous head starts.

Overview

  • Richardson, 26, claimed the women’s title on Monday in Stawell in 13.15 seconds, becoming only the third woman to win the Gift from the back marker.
  • She overhauled runners given up to a nine‑metre start, catching the field near 90 metres after a semifinal scare decided by 0.007 seconds.
  • The Stawell Gift is a 120‑metre uphill sprint on grass that uses handicaps to stagger starts, draws more than 700 competitors, and awards A$40,000 to the women’s winner.
  • Australian teenager Charlotte Nielsen, who started at nine metres, took second, while Christian Coleman did not reach the men’s final as Australian Olufemi Komolafe won.
  • Local coverage and broadcasters noted her 13.15 as among the fastest women’s times recorded at the meet, boosting a rural event first run in 1878 with global star power.