Recently, the 2024 Olympics took place in Paris, where we saw many notable athletes shine. Personally, I always keep my eye on inspiring Black women making history. This year, Sha'Carri Richardson took home a gold medal with the U.S.A. Women's team in the 4x100 relay. Sha'Carri is someone I've been watching for a few years, and if you remember the early scandal in her track career, you'll understand why this moment is so monumental. Sha'Carri's ability to take control of her story and rewrite her legacy is truly inspiring. Let me explain why.
If you don't know who Sha'Carri Richardson is, let me give you a brief summary. Sha'Carri Richardson is an African American track athlete who competes in the 100-meter and 200-meter races. In 2019, Sha'Carri caught the public's attention as a freshman at Louisiana State University, where her speed of 10.75 seconds broke the collegiate record at the NCAA Division Championships, making her one of the top ten fastest women in history at just 19 years old.
In 2021, Sha'Carri qualified for the Summer Olympics after winning the Women’s 100-meter dash at the United States Olympic Trials. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter, she tested positive for THC in a post-race drug test. At the time, Sha'Carri was just 21 years old. She stated that she used marijuana to cope with the passing of her biological father. I remember when all of this was happening because, at the time, marijuana use had already been so normalized. In Canada, selling and consuming marijuana is legal. I feel like the stigma attached to weed usage is a lot less severe in recent times. But regardless, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) was firm on their rules, and Sha'Carri accepted a one-month suspension following the incident. As quickly as Sha'Carri made it to the Olympics, it was taken away. Sha'Carri Richardson could no longer compete in the 100-meter race at the Tokyo Olympics. Shit happens, so the shift can happen.
"Don't judge me, because I am human. I'm you. I just happen to run a little faster" - Sha'Carri Richardson
Fast forward two years to the 2023 World Athletics Championships, where Sha'Carri was able to redeem her track career by taking home a gold medal in the Women’s 100-meter final.
When asked about her victory Sha'Carri stated “Never give up, never allow media, never allow outsiders, never allow anything but yourself and your faith define who you are." She continued "Always fight. No matter what, fight.’”
Despite being the underdog compared to her competition, Sha'Carri solidified herself as the fastest woman in the world at just 23 years old with a 10.65-second 100-meter win. She also set a championship record at the World Athletics Championships.
"I'm ready mentally, physically, and emotionally. And I'm here to stay, I'm not back, I'm better." - Sha'Carri Richardson
Sha'Carri earned back her spot at the Olympics after winning the 100-meter final at the Olympic Track & Field Trials earlier this year. "I feel honoured," she said. "I feel every chapter I've been through in my life prepared me for this moment."
Sha'Carri's full-circle moment is a reminder to me that if I stay focused, I can still reach my goals. Failures and setbacks are just hurdles along the road, but they don't have to halt the journey.
This brings us to August 9, 2024. Sha'Carri Richardson, along with her teammates Melissa Jefferson, Twanisha "Tee Tee" Terry, and Gabby Thomas took home gold for the United States in the Paris Olympics Women's 4x100-meter relay with a time of 41.78 seconds. Sha'Carri wasn't in the lead at the final hand off but was able to quickly gain on her opponents, finishing the relay in first place.
To me, Sha'Carri Richardson is a symbol of resilience and a reminder that no matter how many curveballs life throws at you, you can overcome the most challenging circumstances with focus, determination, and faith. A real life example of Black Girl Magic.
Stay magical,
Kendal Blake
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