Sha’Carri Richardson, one of the most celebrated — and polarizing — figures in American track and field, was arrested late last month after an altercation with fellow sprinter Christian Coleman at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, according to newly released surveillance footage and law enforcement officials.
The July 27 video, reviewed by multiple sources, shows Richardson shoving Coleman multiple times during a heated dispute near a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint. At one point, she appears to grab his backpack, push him into a wall and a pillar, and throw an object — possibly headphones — in his direction. The confrontation unfolded in view of startled travelers.
Richardson, 24, was taken into custody on a fourth-degree domestic violence assault charge, a gross misdemeanor under Washington law. She was booked into the South Correctional Entity jail in Des Moines, Wash., and released after about 19 hours. She has not entered a plea, and her legal team has declined to comment.
The sprinter first rose to prominence in 2021 with blistering 100-meter performances, bold style and an outspoken persona, before a positive marijuana test cost her a place in the Tokyo Olympics. She returned to elite form in 2023 and 2024, cementing her status as one of the sport’s most magnetic personalities while drawing both ardent support and pointed criticism.
In a brief statement after her release, Richardson acknowledged the seriousness of the incident without providing details. “I have a lot to reflect on,” she said. “This is a personal matter, but I know I need to take accountability and get the help I need moving forward.”
If convicted, Richardson could face up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine, though first-time offenders often receive probation or counseling. Prosecutors have not indicated whether Coleman will cooperate in the case.
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