Sha’Carri Richardson, a bisexual Olympic gold medalist, is an exceptional athlete with a remarkable story. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up without a connection to her biological parents. Raised by her grandmother, Betty Harp, and an aunt, Richardson often refers to her grandmother as her “foundation.” From an early age, her speed was evident, and during her time at David W. Carter High School, she clinched state titles in both the 100m and 200m events.
Despite her evident talent, Richardson’s journey to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was marred by controversy. She qualified for the games but was disqualified after a drug test at the US trials revealed the presence of marijuana. This setback prevented her from competing on the world stage, a moment that was especially difficult as it came shortly after the death of her biological mother. However, Richardson remained resilient and continued to inspire many with her vibrant personality and undeniable talent.
Richardson’s style is as dynamic as her performances on the track. She often changes her hair color based on her mood, revealing in a 2021 interview that her girlfriend at the time chose a particularly bold color because it was “loud and, honestly, dangerous.” This love for bold expression is something she attributes to the influence of Florence Griffith Joyner, the legendary track star known for her unique style in the 1980s. Richardson has openly admired Flo-Jo, stating that she draws inspiration from the athlete, whom she considers one of the greatest.
At just 24 years old, Richardson has already made her mark as one of the fastest women in history. Her speed and talent were evident during her time at Louisiana State University (LSU), where she became one of the top track stars. Competing for the LSU Lady Tigers, she set remarkable records, including the second-best female one-day double at the 2019 NCAA Outdoor Championships.
Richardson’s success on the track has not gone unnoticed, and she has secured sponsorship deals, most notably with Nike. For several years, she has proudly worn Nike apparel, and in 2024, she was featured in their spring collection. Beyond her athletic achievements, Richardson’s influence has been recognized in her hometown of Dallas. A track at the John Kincaide Stadium in South Dallas was renamed the Sha’Carri Richardson Track in her honor, following a unanimous vote by the Dallas Independent School District board of trustees. Additionally, November 10 has been declared Sha’Carri Richardson Day in Dallas, commemorating her contributions and success.
Standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall, Richardson may not be the tallest athlete, but her presence on the track is undeniable. Her journey to greatness began at a young age when she won the 100m title at the AAU Junior Olympics in 2016 and 2017. These early victories hinted at her future potential, and she has continued to build on that promise.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Richardson is an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. After securing a spot at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 with a stellar 100m run, she took to Twitter to share a rainbow emoji, a simple yet powerful gesture that resonated with many in the community. Her openness about her bisexuality and her experiences, including recovering from an abusive relationship, has made her a role model for many young people.
Sha’Carri Richardson’s journey is one of triumph, resilience, and self-expression. Despite facing significant challenges, she has remained true to herself, inspiring others with her talent, style, and advocacy. As she continues to break records and push boundaries, Richardson’s legacy in track and field, as well as in the broader cultural landscape, is assured.
