Sha’Carri Richardson says she is stepping back to “reflect and rebuild” after her arrest in Seattle last month over an alleged domestic dispute with U.S. teammate Christian Coleman.
The Olympic 100m silver medallist and 4x100m champion was taken into custody on 27 July at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport.
According to a police report, surveillance footage appeared to show Coleman being pushed into a wall before Richardson threw an object in his direction.
Coleman chose not to press charges and “declined to be a victim,” and Richardson was released the following day.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the incident, the 25-year-old posted an emotional statement on Instagram, admitting:
“I’m taking this time to not only see myself but get myself a certain level of help that overall is going to reflect who I truly am. My apology should be just as loud as my actions — honestly louder. To Christian, I love you and I am so sorry.”
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Coleman has forgiven Richardson.
“I don’t feel like she should have been arrested. People have discussions and emotions. She has things she needs to work on for herself — so do I, so does everybody. I believe in extending grace, mercy and love.”
Richardson’s arrest came less than two months before the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where she is set to defend both her 100m and 4x100m titles.
Coleman, who won 100m gold at the 2019 Worlds, is also expected to compete.