'He is the best' — Why Sha'Carri Richardson is forever indebted to coach Dennis Mitchell

American sprint star has heaped praise on her coach, Dennis Mitchell for transforming her into the formidable athlete she is today. 

The 24-year-old sprinter, who overcame early career turbulence, now stands tall among the best in the world, boasting a 100-meter gold at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest and an Olympic silver medal in Paris in 2024.

Richardson’s rise from adversity has been nothing short of remarkable, and Mitchell’s role has been pivotal in her resurgence.

American sprint legend Michael Johnson has explained why Dennis Mitchell is the best coach to keep guiding Sha'Carri Richardson into unleashing his potential.

Known for rebuilding athletes to prominence in an era dominated by Jamaican sprint queens like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson, Mitchell has guided Richardson to reclaim her place on the global stage, like he has to her teammate Mellisa Jefferson.

Mitchell affectionately refers to Richardson as “my little bit, although she is a lot,” a testament to her fiery determination and relentless drive. Speaking on he acknowledged her stellar 2023 season, saying, “Sha’Carri went on a rampage last year. She was our number one athlete.”

Richardson attributes her medal-winning performances to the rigorous training regimen at the Star Athletics Club in Florida, under Mitchell’s demanding guidance. In her words, the dynamic between coach and athlete is a perfect match.

“My coach, when he was on the scene, was a force to be reckoned with,” Richardson shared on

Sha'Carri Richardson, who has never been one to shy away from expressing her personality, has agreed with Noah Lyles on the importance of athletes having a persona.

“I feel that is something he brings to his group. He is adamant about ‘you gotta be in my group, you got to work hard.’ I think we complement each other well and know where we want to go.”

Mitchell, a former elite sprinter himself, brings a wealth of experience to his coaching. Richardson highlighted this, stating, “He is the best. You can quote me on that.”

Their partnership has not only revitalized Richardson’s career but also placed her firmly among the sport’s elite, proving that with the right guidance, talent and determination can overcome any obstacle.

As Richardson continues to soar, her gratitude towards Mitchell underscores the significance of having a coach who believes in an athlete’s potential, even during their most challenging times.