'He is the best' - Why Sha'Carri Richardson is forever indebted to coach Dennis Mitchell

'He is the best' - Why Sha'Carri Richardson is forever indebted to coach Dennis Mitchell

Mark Kinyanjui 16:33 - 21.12.2024

Under Mitchell's guidance, Richardson has gone on to claim three major medals over the last one year.

American sprint star Sha’Carri Richardson has heaped praise on her coach, Dennis Mitchell for transforming her into the formidable athlete she is today. 

The 24-year-old sprinter, who overcame early career turbulence, now stands tall among the best in the world, boasting a 100-meter gold at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest and an Olympic silver medal in Paris in 2024.

Richardson’s rise from adversity has been nothing short of remarkable, and Mitchell’s role has been pivotal in her resurgence.

Known for rebuilding athletes to prominence in an era dominated by Jamaican sprint queens like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson, Mitchell has guided Richardson to reclaim her place on the global stage, like he has to her teammate Mellisa Jefferson.

Mitchell affectionately refers to Richardson as “my little bit, although she is a lot,” a testament to her fiery determination and relentless drive. Speaking on Sprint Season 2, he acknowledged her stellar 2023 season, saying, “Sha’Carri went on a rampage last year. She was our number one athlete.”

Richardson attributes her medal-winning performances to the rigorous training regimen at the Star Athletics Club in Florida, under Mitchell’s demanding guidance. In her words, the dynamic between coach and athlete is a perfect match.

“My coach, when he was on the scene, was a force to be reckoned with,” Richardson shared on Sprint Season 1. 

“I feel that is something he brings to his group. He is adamant about ‘you gotta be in my group, you got to work hard.’ I think we complement each other well and know where we want to go.”

Mitchell, a former elite sprinter himself, brings a wealth of experience to his coaching. Richardson highlighted this, stating, “He is the best. You can quote me on that.”

Their partnership has not only revitalized Richardson’s career but also placed her firmly among the sport's elite, proving that with the right guidance, talent and determination can overcome any obstacle.

As Richardson continues to soar, her gratitude towards Mitchell underscores the significance of having a coach who believes in an athlete’s potential, even during their most challenging times.

Tags: