Internet sensation iShowSpeed recently challenged Sha'Carri Richardson to a race months after taking on Noah Lyles, which epitomised why the sport of track and field needs alot of help.
Sha'Carri Richardson, the reigning world champion in the 100-meter dash and an Olympic gold medalist, has found herself in an unexpected conversation.
Popular streamer Darren Watkins Jr, better known as IShowSpeed, challenged her to a 60-meter race earlier in February, a challenge that has sparked widespread debate about the legitimacy of such a matchup and the perception of track and field as a sport.
The idea that a streamer with no professional sprinting background could challenge one of the world's best sprinters has raised eyebrows across the athletics community.
The challenge, issued during Super Bowl weekend, has been viewed by many as a sign of disrespect toward the sport.
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One of the biggest issues with IShowSpeed's challenge is the fundamental misunderstanding of what it takes to be a track and field athlete.
Sprinting at the highest level isn’t just about running fast; it's about executing at the right time, under immense pressure, and against world-class competition. Unlike casual playground races where speed alone may suffice, professional sprinting demands precision, technique, and the ability to peak on command.
Richardson herself responded in a way that highlights this difference. Instead of simply accepting the challenge, she invited IShowSpeed to train with her and her group.
Richardson told Watkins, “Before we race, I got to teach you how to be a sprinter first…You come down for a day, you do my entire workout, and after that, we can set something up. But you got to do what I do first before we race…You got to be a track athlete first before a race.”
This isn't the first time IShowSpeed has taken on an elite sprinter. He previously raced world champion Noah Lyles in a charity event organized by YouTuber MrBeast last October. While Lyles ultimately won, the race appeared deceptively close to casual viewers.
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This illusion stems from the fact that short sprints (such as the 40-yard dash) can mask the true gap in speed between professional and amateur athletes.
In a 60-meter race, reaction time plays a significant role, potentially making it seem more competitive than it actually is.
Even if the race were to happen, Richardson would be at a significant disadvantage due to biological differences between male and female athletes in sprinting
Men's times in the 60-meter dash at the collegiate level are typically faster than the women’s world record. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean IShowSpeed would have an edge—especially against an elite athlete like Richardson.
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One of the most striking aspects of this situation is what it reveals about the broader perception of track and field. IShowSpeed's confidence in his ability to compete at an elite level reflects a misunderstanding of the sport's structure.
In basketball, aspiring players understand the pathway to the NBA—high school, AAU, college, and eventually the draft. Track and field follows a similar trajectory, yet many outside the sport fail to recognize the steps required to compete professionally.
If IShowSpeed were serious about competing in the 2028 Olympics, as he has suggested, he would need to enter official competitions now. Opportunities exist for unattached athletes to compete in collegiate meets, yet he has not taken that step.
NFL speedstar Tyreek Hill is another that has consistently challenged Noah Lyles to a 40-yard dash, epitomising how lightly most perceive Track and Field.
Is IshowSpeed merely seeking attention?
Ultimately, the challenge seems more like a publicity stunt than a legitimate athletic contest. While it may bring more attention to track and field, it also risks trivializing the dedication required to reach the top.
If IShowSpeed truly wants to test himself, he should follow the standard competitive route and start running against serious sprinters—not just issue playful challenges to world champions.
For now, Richardson’s stance is clear: prove you can train like an elite sprinter before talking about a race. And given the intensity of her training regimen, it’s unlikely IShowSpeed could keep up for even a day.