Olympic sprint star Sha'Carri Richardson has changed her plea in a Florida court case, resolving a “super speeder” charge from January without jail time. The 26-year-old runner entered a no-contest plea as part of a deal, avoiding the harsher penalties tied to the state’s recent speeding law.
Richardson was arrested in Orange County after authorities said she was clocked at 104 mph on State Road 429 near Stoneybrook Parkway. Deputies reported she was dangerously tailgating and crossing lanes to pass other drivers. She originally pleaded not guilty, but the new plea brings a $500 fine, 100 hours of community service, and an eight-hour driving class.
The arrest came under Florida’s “super speeders” law, which took effect July 1, 2025. That statute makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to drive 100 mph or more, or exceed the speed limit by 50 mph, with fines up to $1,000 and possible jail time. Second offenses can bring 90 days behind bars and license revocation for at least six months. The law also requires court appearances for anyone charged with excessive speeding.
Richardson, a Clermont resident, posted a $500 bond after her arrest. She had been a prominent figure in track and field since winning gold in the 100 meters at the 2023 World Championships and taking an Olympic relay title in 2024. More recently, she won the women’s 100 at the 2026 USA Track and Field Championships on July 24, matching a season-best time. “It feels phenomenal to be back in a better place. Healthy, physically, mentally and emotionally,” she told NBC Sports. “It shows that hard work pays off.”
Her legal troubles include a previous incident in July 2025 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, where she was accused of assaulting her boyfriend, sprinter Christian Coleman. Charges were dropped after Coleman declined to cooperate with the investigation.