Quietly Syaira Richardson Has Risen To 6th In The World

2016 Season: Double Trouble

Nansemond River, Team War as they are known at big meets, has built their legacy on having a 1-2 punch. A punch that is unbeatable by any team in the state. In 2016 that meant a changing of guards from Kara Lyles and Brandee' Johnson to Brandee' and Syaira. 

In this new role Syaira thrived. It meant more responsibility and many more events at the state meet. Indoors specifically it meant qualifying in three events and on some relays. She competed though in the 300, finished 2nd to Britton Wilson, and the 55m dash where she placed 4th. 

It was that race that changed everything...

Even with Brandee' still as her teammate it was apparent that Syaira was done playing second fiddle and that it was now her time to shine, not on relays, not at random invitationals, but on the biggest stages of our sport as an individual. 

It all started at states outdoors where she won the 400m dash in 54.27 to beat Britton Wilson. She used that race and its confidence to come back two weeks later at USATF Juniors to run 53.38, a state record.