At first glance, what do you see when you look at Sha’Carri Richardson? Mainstream America and the world may ridicule her for wearing different color wigs, long acrylic nails, and lashes, but there’s no denying pure talent. Sha’Carri is unapologetically herself, and that’s what stands out the most.
If you know nothing about Sha’Carri, you should know that she is a US track and field sprinter who competes in the 100 and 200 meters. Sha’Carri is from Dallas, and at only 21 years old had secured her spot on Team USA for the Tokyo Olympics, only for it to be taken away.
After she won the women's 100m race at the US Olympic track and field trials in Eugene, Oregon, I was especially moved by her immediate act afterward.
Seeing her sprint up the stairs to hug her grandmother brought me to tears. From birth to age 6, my grandmother was my best friend; when she passed away, it really created a void I’ve never been able to fill. So seeing Sha’Carri embrace her grandmother, especially after her mother passed only a week prior to the race, really resonated deeply with me.
I admire Sha’Carri’s ability to stand in her truth and actions even more after testing positive for marijuana, which ultimately caused her to be suspended for one month and disqualified from the 2021 Olympic Games.
Her immediate response in her interview with the Today Show after being asked how she was doing was “I’m blessed to be alive.” It’s that kind of attitude that is clearly grounded in a humble foundation. Even her tweet resonates that no one is perfect.
The reality is, no one can tell you how to handle grief or stress in your life.
And it’s ultimately disheartening to watch her get banned from the Olympics, something she’s worked tirelessly to reach, for a drug that’s been made legal in a plethora of states.
Sha’Carri’s appearance alone is deemed “unprofessional” in the eyes of corporate America. But why? Why is it a threat for a Black woman to wear whatever color hair she wants to or even her naturally grown hair? Why are long nails so offensive? And tattoos are an act of expression and art; why aren’t people allowed to express themselves freely?
I’m no conspiracy theorist, but if you ask me Sha’Carri is a target — not because of her talent but because she’s a Black woman in a prominent position.
Sha’Carri has power that she is aware of. There’s a lot to be learned about a woman who knows who she is and where she’s come from.
And when you know who you are, people will come after you in an attempt to belittle you and break you down. As an athlete and a person in the spotlight, you are prone to be under a magnifying glass, but how you rise at the sight of adversity separates the winners from the losers.
Ultimately, Sha’Carri will win regardless of the outcome of her actions.
In fact, she’s already won because she’s surpassed countless obstacles in her 21 years. I commend her for staying true to herself and being authentically unique. Keep running in style, Sha’Carri, and keep being the beautiful human you are.
