Who is Benjamin Richardson? All about the sprinting sensation who clocked 9.86s to become 2nd-fastest South African sprinter of all time

Benjamin Richardson shifted to top gear ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024, clocking a massive personal best of 9.86s at the Resisprint International 2024 on Sunday (July 14). The 20-year-old has now become the second-fastest South African sprinter of all time, just 0.02s behind Akani Simbine.

Richardson rose to fame in April 2024 after beating 400m world record holder Wayde van Niekerk during the 200m final at the Athletics South Africa Track and Field Championships. The youngster stormed to the finish line in 20.15s to take the gold while Van Niekerk, who will not compete in the one-lap event at the Paris Olympics 2024, finished second in 20.31s.

The two had met on the track earlier in 2021 where it was Van Niekerk who had secured the victory while Richardson had come second. Richardson expressed delight at the change of fortunes for him, and that too against his idol.

"I remember the day exactly 2021 19th April, we did the seniors at TUKS and he beat me and I came second I think and it shows that through time things can change. Three years later, I'm now first and now I'm happy and grateful for everything that happened, the trials and tribulations," Richardson said after the win in April. (via Sabcsport)

Richardson also met the qualifying standard for the for the men's 200m event for Paris Olympics 2024, which is 20.16s. He competed in the 200m event at Resisprint International and broke the sub-20s barrier for the first time in his career. He clocked 19.99s for second place.

The sprinting sensation had expressed his desire to qualify for the 100m as well, and not only has he done that now, he has also clocked an impressive personal best just ahead of the Olympic Games.

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Benjamin Richardson's birthplace and early life

Benjamin Richardson was born in Pretoria, South Africa, on December 19, 2003. He has been part of the Tuks Athletics for much of his career. He credits the coach of the academy for helping him grow in the sport.

Benjamin Richardson's education

The South African sprinter attended TuksSport High School during his school days. He later joined the University of Pretoria for higher studies. However, he has remained a part of the Tuks Athletics Academy.

Benjamin Richardson's other achievements

World Athletics U20 Championships Cali 2022 - Benjamin Richardson (R) wins bronze medal (Photo-Getty)

Benjamin Richardson is relatively new to the senior competitions but over the junior circuit, he has won many medals at international competitions. He won the gold medal at the 2021 U20 World Championships as part of the South African 4x100m Relay team, who also shattered the U20 world record in the event.

At the same championships, Richardson won an individual silver medal in 100m in 10.28 seconds. At the 2022 U20 World Championships, he settled for silver in the distance.

Richardson was selected in the senior South African team for the 2023 World Championships and was the youngest member of the team. He is slated to compete over both 100m and 200m at Paris Olympics 2024.