Sha’Carri Richardson Spreads Love and Inspiration for Black Girls
U.S. track and field star Sha’Carri Richardson disqualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but made history in 2023 as the women’s 100-meter world champion.
The 23-year-old Texan first rose to fame at the age of 19. Setting the fastest collegiate 100m run in history with a time of 10.75 seconds, which qualified her as the ninth-fastest woman ever.
Richardson was disqualified from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics for testing positive for THC, which she apologized to fans and sponsors alike, stating “I greatly apologize if I let you guys down, and I did.” Despite that the star hasn’t let that stop her from coming back stronger and faster than ever.
However, this did stop her from competing in the Olympics for the entire season instead of for a month, which was the original length of the suspension.
Richardson came back in 2023 and won the title of the world’s fastest runner. In the match against Shericka Jackson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the runner finished with a time of 10.65 seconds. Moreover, that run is cemented in history as the sixth-fastest run in the women’s 100m category. She also helped the USA team to a record win in the women’s 4x100m, where they won gold and bronze in the 200m.
Sha’Carri Richardson: A Style That Can’t Be Matched
If her track record didn’t catch your attention already, Richardson’s style is something that helps her stand out. Brightly colored wigs (she ate it up) and braids flying through the air. Long nails in an array of colors make viewers nostalgic for Flo Jo (another amazing Black female runner).
She brings her authentic self to every race, no wonder so many people love her. Seeing someone break so many boundaries while wearing the same thing that Black women have been ostracized for wearing for years. It is an inspiring and proud moment for other Black women, witnessing a Black girl shine while proudly embracing their culture.
Richardson will also be competing in the 2024 Olympics being held in Paris. Expectations are high for her to set another world record at the games this year. Fans are excited and can’t wait to see what she will do.
