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An African-American, raised by her grandmother and an aunt, while finding out about her mother’s death from the media, Sha'Carri Richardson has had to fight through life, and here is her story.
To many, Sha’Carri is just a top American athlete looking to make a name for herself, but to several others, she is a beacon of hope, resilience, and how your lowest point does not define who you are.
Her unwavering spirit has inspired many, and she continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the sport.
Pulse Sports has taken a look at her life and the many challenges she faced to reach this point in the world of athletics.
Sha'Carri Richardson’s Biography
Born in Dallas, Texas, on March 25, 2000, Sha’Carri never got to know her parents on a personal level as they left when she was young.
Despite not having her biological parents around, which created its own problems like self-doubt, she never let that define who she was.
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Speaking during an episode of Quibi's Prodigy series, an in-depth series that explores the best up-and-coming athletes under the age of 21, she said: “I always was asking myself, ‘What's wrong with me? Why is it that you don't want to be here?"
"Like if my mother doesn't want to be around me, then I'm pretty sure nobody wants to be around me.” she added
Sha’Carri rose from this, and discovering her fast gene at a young age helped her get through. In high school, she ran track and won Texas state titles in the 100 m and 200 m at Carter High School.
The Influence of Family
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Following the absence of Sha’Carri’s parents in her life, she was taken into care by her grandmother, Betty Harp.
One of Sha'Carri's most cherished childhood memories is cooking and watching TV with Harp. Their unbreakable bond has been a constant source of support throughout her athletic journey.
“From Day 1 up until now, always being in my corner, no matter what I did, no matter if it was good, no matter if it was bad," she told USA Today in 2021.
“My grandmother is my heart. My grandmother is my superwoman,” she told Team USA.
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However, Harp is not the only hero in Sha’Carri’s life, as is her aunt, Shay Richardson, whom she prefers to call Mom.
Sha’Carri struggled with the knowledge of her mother choosing to abandon her, but Shay filled the role perfectly, while promising never to leave—words that transformed the athlete’s life and helped her feel loved.
Shay is also the major influence behind Sha’Carri’s love for athletics, as her plaque of medals in the sport inspired Sha’Carri as a kid.
Shay began taking Richardson to the track from a very young age until she developed into a top athletic prospect in middle and high school.
Sha'Carri also shares a special bond with Lauren Cross, her former track coach at Carter High School. They are incredibly close, with Sha'Carri affectionately referring to her as her "godmother."
Sha'Carri Richardson’s many challenges
Sha'Carri Richardson's journey has been marked by trials right from her childhood to her professional life.
Raised by her grandmother and aunt, she experienced the challenges of growing up in poverty and navigating a tumultuous family environment. Her resilience in overcoming these obstacles has been instrumental in shaping her strong and determined character.
One of her most significant challenges came in 2021 when she tested positive for marijuana and was subsequently suspended from the Tokyo Olympics.
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This incident sparked a nationwide debate about drug policies in sports and the mental health struggles faced by athletes.
Richardson admitted to using marijuana to cope with the recent loss of her biological mother, who died a week before her triumph at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials.
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Despite the setbacks, Richardson has persevered. She returned to the track at the 2021 Prefontaine Classic after serving her suspension.
In 2023, she ran the fourth-fastest 100 m by a woman in all conditions, while she also became world champion.
Sha'Carri Richardson has passion for other things outside Athletics
Sha'Carri Richardson is not just a sprinting sensation; she's a multifaceted individual with diverse interests.
Beyond the track, she's passionate about fashion, often sharing her unique style with fans. Richardson often wears long nails and colourful hair on the track, stating that her style is inspired by that of Florence Griffith Joyner.
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A vocal advocate for mental health awareness, Sha'Carri openly discusses the importance of mental well-being in sports.
She's committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encouraging others to prioritise their mental health. By using her platform to address these important topics, she's making a positive impact both on and off the track.
Is Sha'Carri Richardson Bisexual?
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Richardson is openly bisexual. After her 100m victory at the US Olympic Trials in 2021, she publicly thanked her then girlfriend for inspiring her unique hair colour.
The Dallas native has also been open about her family's acceptance of her sexuality. Her ex-girlfriend, a Jamaican, often joined her in embracing the state's culinary culture.
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However, she is now rumoured to be in a relationship with Christian Coleman. Their dating speculations parked after a fan caught them in a 'cozy' moment on a beautiful evening on the last day of the 2023 World Championships in Budapest.
Sha'Carri Richardson Stadium and Day
2023 proved to be a year of recognition for Sha'Carri Richardson following her success on the world stage.
A track at John Kincaide Stadium was renamed in her honour, and November 10th was declared Sha'Carri Richardson Day in her hometown of Dallas, Texas.
Sha'Carri Richardson Achivements
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International competitions
2017 Pan American U20 Championships: 4 × 100 m relay winner
2023 World Championships: 100 m winner (10.65 CR) (-0.2 m/s), 200 m third place, 4 × 100 m relay winner (41.03 CR)
2024 Olympic Games: 100 m second place (10.87), 4 × 100 m relay winner (41.78)
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Circuit wins
Diamond League
2023 Doha Diamond League (WL MR), Chorzów Kamila Skolimowska Memorial, Zürich Weltklasse
2024 Prefontaine Classic, Zürich Weltklasse
National titles
NCAA Division I Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championships
100 m: 2019
AAU Junior Olympics
100 m: 2016, 2017
USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships
100 m: 2023, 2024
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