Could internet sensation IshowSpeed actually beat Sha'Carri Richardson? 3D simulation makes shocking revelation

Could IShowSpeed (R) beat Sha'Carri Richardson (L) in both a 60 and 100m dash? Photo || Motion Athlete

Could internet sensation IshowSpeed actually beat Sha'Carri Richardson? 3D simulation makes shocking revelation

Mark Kinyanjui 13:43 - 26.03.2025

A 3D simulation has sensationally revealed how 60 & 100-meter dashes between internet sensation iShowSpeed and Sha'Carri Richardson would go.

Last February, internet sensation Darren Watkins Jr., better known as IShowSpeed, threw down the gauntlet to none other than reigning world 100m champion Sha’Carri Richardson. 

The YouTube star, known for his high-energy antics and love for sports challenges, proposed a 60-meter race against the Olympic gold medalist during Super Bowl weekend.

Richardson, never one to shy away from a challenge, entertained the idea but set a condition before stepping onto the track with the teenager.

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“You come down for a day, you do my entire workout, and after that, we can set something up,” Richardson stated. “But you got to do what I do first before we race… You got to be a track athlete first before a race.”

The challenge sparked a broader conversation about the perception of elite sprinting. Many track and field purists saw it as a reflection of the general misunderstanding of the sport’s demands.

IShowspeed’s track record

Interestingly, this wasn’t Speed’s first time racing a world-class sprinter. He previously faced off against multiple-time world champion Noah Lyles in a charity event organized by YouTuber MrBeast. 

While Lyles secured the win, casual viewers were surprised at how close the race appeared, a testament to how deceptive short sprints can be when comparing professional and amateur athletes.

Breaking down the simulation

To put the speculation to rest, sports analysis group Motion Athlete conducted a simulation to analyze how Speed might fare against Richardson in a 60m and 100m race under standardized track conditions. 

The analysis took into account Richardson’s best-known times and Speed’s estimated performances based on his past race against Lyles.

Richardson, the sixth-fastest woman in history, boasts a personal best of 10.65 seconds over 100m.

IShowSpeed’s estimated best track time was projected at 10.75 seconds for 100m, with a 60m split estimated at 7.01 seconds, based on his race against Lyles.

Richardson, despite rarely competing indoors, also has a 60m personal best of 7.01 seconds.

In the 60m race, the simulation suggested that Speed’s strong reaction time and natural explosiveness might give him an early edge.

 Richardson, known for having a weaker start, lagged slightly off the blocks. However, by the 40-meter mark, her transition phase kicked in, allowing her to close the gap. In a stunning result, the two were projected to cross the finish line together at 7.01 seconds.

The 100m race, however, painted a different picture. Richardson’s elite top-end speed became evident at the 70-meter mark, as she began to pull away. By the 60-meter split, she clocked 6.94 seconds, slightly ahead of Speed’s projected 6.97 seconds.

At 80 meters, she had created a noticeable gap, showcasing her superior sprint endurance and mechanics. By the finish line, the simulation suggested Richardson would win convincingly, even having enough time to gesture as she crossed the line ahead of Speed.

Verdict: could Speed beat Richardson?

While Speed might hold his own in a 60m sprint—at least in theory—the full 100m race is where Richardson’s world-class ability becomes undeniable. 

So, while Speed’s bravado makes for great entertainment, in reality, when it comes to elite sprinting, there are levels to this game—and Sha’Carri Richardson remains untouchable.