Olympian Richardson and Coleman Plead Not Guilty in Speeding Incident

Olympic sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson is facing charges after allegedly speeding excessively in Florida. The 25-year-old Olympic gold medalist pleaded not guilty on Monday to a charge of dangerously excessive speeding, as per Orange County court records.

The incident occurred on January 29, when Richardson was pulled over for reportedly driving at 104 mph on State Road 429 near Stoney Brook Parkway in Winter Park. The area has a posted speed limit of 65 mph. During the incident, it was noted that Richardson changed lanes multiple times, flashed her headlights at other motorists, and drove too closely to other vehicles, according to the arrest affidavit.

Upon being stopped by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Richardson reportedly claimed that her excessive speed was due to a low-pressure back tire. She mentioned that her car was new, and she had not meant to drive at such high speeds.

“I didn’t intend to go that fast,” Richardson is quoted as saying in the affidavit.

Fellow Olympian Christian Coleman also became involved in the incident. The 29-year-old stopped his black Jeep on the road’s shoulder in front of Richardson’s vehicle. Identifying himself as Richardson’s boyfriend, he initially complied with the deputy’s orders to remain with his car but later approached Richardson to defend her driving.

Adding to the commotion, another Olympic sprinter, Twanisha Terry, 27, stopped at the scene. Both Terry and Coleman were directed to wait by their vehicles. While Terry complied, presented her identification, and left after being cited, Coleman refused to identify himself and was subsequently arrested for resisting an officer. He was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after law enforcement discovered a “glass smoking device” with plant material inside his vehicle.

Coleman disputed the charges in court, pleading not guilty. He received citations for stopping on a limited-access road and having an expired vehicle registration. Both Richardson and Coleman were taken to the Orange County Booking and Release Center and later released on bond.

Their legal representative has yet to comment on the situation, and there is currently no legal representation listed for Terry. USA Track and Field has also refrained from commenting on the case.

Reporters Marlene Lenthang and Janat Batra contributed to this news.