Everything to Know about the Fastest Woman Sha’Carri Richardson, Who Was Criticized for Her Nails, Yet Hit Olympics 2024

ShaCarri Richardson is commonly known for being one of the fastest women in the world, dominating track and field. However, her journey to stardom — personal and professional — has not been easy. Explore the astonishing details of the many challenges the athlete had to overcome with this closer look at her life.Advertisement

From her humble beginnings to breaking records and qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics, ShaCarris journey to stardom is a story of perseverance. Growing up without her parents, ShaCarri discovered her love for running early on and quickly rose through the ranks.

ShaCarri Richardson celebrating crossing the finish line to win the Womens 100-meter Final during the Diamond League athletics meeting on August 31, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

Despite facing harsh criticism over her appearance, enduring an abusive relationship, and losing her biological mother — an event that led to a career-altering suspension— ShaCarri emerged stronger than ever. Take a closer look at how this extraordinary athlete turned obstacles into stepping stones on her path to becoming a global star.

ShaCarri Richardson after competing in the womens 200-meter Semifinal on day eight of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Track and Field Trials on June 28 in Eugene, Oregon. | Source: Getty Images

AdvertisementFrom Humble Beginnings to Record-Breaking Sprinter

ShaCarri was born in Dallas, Texas, and found her passion for running at an early age. Little is known about her biological parents, as she was not raised by them. Instead, a young ShaCarri started calling her aunt, Shay Richardson, Mom.

Her grandmother, Betty Harp, or “Big Mama,” also had a huge impact on the athletes life. Lauren Cross, the track coach at ShaCarris high school, Carter High School, was another key figure during ShaCarris developmental years.

The track coach saw ShaCarris extraordinary talent when she was just 14 and nurtured it. Lauren recalled the amazement of onlookers, saying, “People would say, That little girl, shes running so fast?”

She often thought about the medals on Big Mamas wall — awards won by Shay, the family track star. Inspired by her aunt, young ShaCarri would challenge her to races up their South Dallas street.

“Wed go from the bottom of the hill to Big Mamas car. She [Shay] didnt slow down. She didnt let me win. And I think it was in fifth grade, the day I touched the car first. Thats when I knew,” ShaCarri reminisced.

Under Laurens guidance, ShaCarri left competitors in the dust, easily breaking Texas state records. However, Lauren soon became more than a coach. ShaCarri saw her as extended family, earning Lauren the title of Godmother.

ShaCarri won three Texas state titles in high school and became the top-ranked sprinter in the class of 2018. By the time she graduated, ShaCarri was the number-one female sprint recruit in the United States.

In her freshman year at Louisiana State University, ShaCarri broke the 100-meter collegiate record with a time of 10.75 seconds. This made her one of the ten fastest women in history at that time.

Her rapid rise in college athletics left little else to prove, so she turned professional. ShaCarri signed with Nike and began training under Dennis Mitchell, who saw immense potential in her.

Dennis described ShaCarri as a “once-in-a-generation talent.” He further noted, “Running that fast, its not natural — not for anyone. You have to teach your body to push that hard and to make all the little adjustments that shave off a half-second here, a half-second there.”

“One aspect of ShaCarris talent is that when you tell her, Do this, she understands how to apply the change. Shes very in tune with her body,” Dennis continued.

ShaCarri Richardson competing in the 2022 Diamond League series on September 8 in Zurich, Switzerland. | Source: Getty Images

Embracing Identity and Style – ShaCarri Richardsons Fierce Presence on and off the Track

Over the years, ShaCarri has become well-known for her incredible speed and talent. However, many also admire her for being a proud young Black woman who competes with confidence.

She became a star to watch after her impressive performance at trials. ShaCarri also wowed spectators with her striking hairstyles, long nails, nose rings, and tattoos.

ShaCarri Richardson smiling after placing second in the Womens 100-meter race during the New York Grand Prix on June 12, 2022. | Source: Getty Images

On May 9, 2021, ShaCarri competed in the USATF Golden Games and World Athletics Continental Tour in a vibrant, electric blue wig. Her bold-colored locks flowed freely as she sprinted down the track, winning the Womens 100 Meter Dash Prelims. ShaCarri also maintained her signature long and carefully crafted nails.

ShaCarri Richardson after winning in the Womens 100-meter Dash Prelims during the USATF Golden Games and World Athletics Continental Tour event on May 9, 2021, in Walnut, California. | Source: Getty Images

On August 23, 2023, ShaCarri took part in day five of the World Athletics Championships rocking intricate cornrows gathered into thick braids. The detailed pattern of the cornrows highlighted her creative approach to hairstyles. Her nails, on the other hand, were long and coffin-shaped, featuring a delicate floral design.

ShaCarri Richardson during the Womens 200-meter Heats during day five of the World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023 on August 23 in Hungary. | Source: Getty Images

On August 26, 2023, ShaCarri took to the podium to receive her bronze medal during the World Athletics Championships in a stylish combination of braided hair accented with vibrant red and yellow streaks.

Her nails were long and elaborately decorated, featuring a mix of pastel colors and intricate designs. Each nail showed a unique pattern, adorned with glittering accents and three-dimensional embellishments.

ShaCarri Richardson on the podium to receive her bronze medal for the Womens 200-meter Final during the medal ceremony of the World Athletics Championships on August 26, 2023, in Budapest, Hungary. | Source: Getty Images

On June 22, 2024, ShaCarri participated in the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Track and Field Trials in a sleek, black wig that cascaded down her back. Her nails were even more elaborate and colorful, showcasing her flair for unique and bold designs.

Each nail featured a different design with vibrant hues and intricate patterns, making her hands as eye-catching as her athletic prowess.

ShaCarri Richardson ahead of competing in the Womens 100-meter Semifinal on day two of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Track and Field Trials on June 22, 2024, in Eugene, Oregon. | Source: Getty Images

On July 26, 2024, ShaCarri showcased her American flag-inspired nails during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Her nails made a bold and patriotic statement, featuring a vibrant mix of red, white, and blue hues, three-dimensional decorations, and metallic embellishments.

ShaCarri Richardson showing off her nails during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics on July 26, 2024, in France.| Source: Getty Images

However, not everyone has come to love ShaCarris signature flair and style over the years. One Instagram user , “Her nails look terrible.” The conversation about ShaCarris appearance also occurred on X, formerly known as Twitter.

A user remarked, “ShaCarri Richardson could probably cut that 100 time down if she left those fingernails at home. wtf is going on with her fingers? (sic)”

Another social media user typed, “Remove the noise, remove the fake nails, focus and let your racing do the talking. This is the result: Gold Medal and Championship record. Take a bow ShaCarri Richardson.”

ShaCarri, however, confidently responded to her critics. “I didnt know the weight of my hair or the length of my nails impact my legs going up & down but OKAYYYYY,” she stated.

AdvertisementThe Scandal That Rocked the Track – ShaCarri Richardsons 2020 Olympic Setback

After making history during her only year at Louisiana State University and turning professional, ShaCarri set her sights on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In 2021, ahead of the COVID-delayed games, she emerged as a favorite to win in Tokyo.

This was the result of her stunning victory in the Womens100-meter race at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials, where she clocked a remarkable time of 10.86 seconds. However, ShaCarris dreams were abruptly put on hold.

ShaCarri Richardson running in the Womens 100-meter Semifinal on day two of the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials on June 19, 2021, in Eugene, Oregon. | Source: Getty Images

She was suspended from the USA Track and Field team after testing positive for THC, the active compound in marijuana. ShaCarri later revealed that she used the drug to manage her overwhelming emotional distress. She had learned from a reporter that her biological mother had died.

ShaCarri explained to Savannah Guthrie in an exclusive “TODAY” interview that she wasnt making excuses or seeking empathy by opening up about how deeply affected she was by the news of her mothers death.

ShaCarri Richardson during The Diamond League AG Memorial Van Damme athletics meeting on September 3, 2021, in Brussels, Belgium. | Source: Getty Images

She shared that people didnt understand what it was like to put on a brave face in front of the world while hiding her pain. ShaCarri questioned, “Who am I to tell you how to cope when youre dealing with the pain or youre dealing with a struggle that you havent experienced before or that you thought you never would have to deal with?”

Accepting responsibility, ShaCarri took a one-month suspension from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for the violation, missing out on the upcoming Olympics. She candidly admitted, “I know what I did, I know what Im supposed to do…and I still made that decision.”

The USA Track and Field organization issued a statement expressing their support and concern for her well-being. They emphasized that athlete health and well-being were critical priorities.

ShaCarri Richardson on day two of the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials on June 19, 2021, in Eugene, Oregon. | Source: Getty Images

The organization added that they would work with ShaCarri to ensure she had the resources to overcome any mental health challenges. ShaCarri also took to social media to address the situation.

“Im sorry, I cant be yall Olympic Champ this year but I promise Ill be your World Champ next year,” she shared. The athlete added in another post, “All these perfect people that know how to live life, Im glad Im not one of them!”

AdvertisementA Triumphant Return – ShaCarri Richardsons Historic Comeback

Following her anti-doping suspension, ShaCarri made an extraordinary comeback. This ended in a gold medal at the 2023 World Championships, showcasing her resilience and determination.

ShaCarri claimed gold in the 100-meter race, clocking an impressive 10.65 seconds. She triumphed over Jamaican stars Shericka Jackson and five-time world champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

ShaCarri Richardson ahead of the Womens 100-meter Semifinal during the World Athletics Championships on August 21, 2023, in Budapest, Hungary. | Source: Getty Images

This win was the result of a two-year journey of hard work. Reflecting on her relentless spirit, ShaCarri repeated her mantra, “Im not back. Im better.” However, her path to victory was not easy. In the semifinals, she faced tough competition in what was called the “Semifinal of Death.”

ShaCarri had to run against top contenders like Shericka and Marie-Josée Ta Lou. Despite a challenging start that saw her trailing in seventh place, ShaCarri fought her way to finish third with a time of 10.84 seconds.

ShaCarri Richardson racing in the Womens 100-meter Semifinal during the World Athletics Championships on August 21, 2023, in Budapest, Hungary. | Source: Getty Images

This was the fastest time among all non-qualifiers, securing her a spot in the final. Only 70 minutes after the tough semifinal, ShaCarri lined up in lane nine for the gold-medal sprint. This lane is hard because it offers no way to gauge the performance of other competitors.

However, ShaCarri stayed focused. Despite having the third-slowest start in the field, she quickly gained ground. In the final stretch, it became a race between her and Shericka.

ShaCarri Richardson running in the Womens 100-meter Semifinal during the World Athletics Championships on August 21, 2023, in Budapest, Hungary. | Source: Getty Images

Shericka crossed the finish line and, unsure of ShaCarris position on the outside, looked at the scoreboard, thinking she might have won. But ShaCarri edged her out by 0.07 seconds, with Shelly-Ann trailing by 0.12 seconds, and Marie-Josée by 0.16 seconds.

ShaCarri Richardson racing in the Womens 100-meter Semifinal during the World Athletics Championships on August 21, 2023, in Budapest, Hungary. | Source: Getty Images

ShaCarris time of 10.65 seconds set a world championship record. This was a remarkable achievement second only to Florence Griffith-Joyners world record of 10.49 seconds set 35 years earlier. The performance also tied Shericka for the fastest time in the world that year, cementing ShaCarris status as a top-tier sprinter.

ShaCarri Richardson celebrating winning the Womens 100-meter Semifinal during the World Athletics Championships on August 21, 2023, in Budapest, Hungary. | Source: Getty Images

Opening Up About Her Sexuality and Overcoming Abuse

In 2015, ShaCarri took a brave step in sharing her truth with the world. She took to X to seemingly open up about her sexuality, posting, “My family know im bi (sic).”

By June 2021, ShaCarri further opened up about her personal life, revealing she was in a relationship with a woman. During an interview, she mentioned that her unnamed girlfriend at the time had helped her choose the color for one of her wigs.

Just a few days later, ShaCarri expressed her support for the LGBTQ community by posting a rainbow emoticon, a symbol synonymous with Gay Pride.

However, ShaCarris personal life took a darker turn in 2022. She bravely shared on social media that she had been in an abusive relationship. Though she did not name her abuser, she shared her painful experience, shedding light on a distressing chapter of her life.

Later, her ex-girlfriend, fellow track star Janeek Brown, publicly stated during an interview that she had been abusive towards ShaCarri. Janeek also mentioned that ShaCarri had the option to press charges if she wanted to.

AdvertisementEmbracing Her Identity and Honoring Her GrandmotherAdvertisement

ShaCarris journey has been marked by many challenges, but her focus on track and field has stayed strong. Every time she stepped onto the track, it validated the countless hours of training and the daily sacrifices she made.

For ShaCarri, getting into the starting blocks was about doing the job. However, it also reminded her that happiness had to be earned and that joy awaited at the finish line.

ShaCarri Richardson celebrating as she crossed the finishing line of the Womens 4×100-meter Relay Final during the World Athletics Championships on August 26, 2023, in Budapest, Hungary. | Source: Getty Images

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Each race was a reflective journey that brought to mind all the moments from her youth that shaped her. The feelings she experienced as a little girl remained with her, reminding her of the hard work and dedication that brought there.

ShaCarri felt that every moment on the track was special because it included all her past experiences, both good and bad, leading her to where she was meant to be.

The Olympian emphasized the importance of showing up consistently, no matter what. She acknowledged that many people only think about track and field every four years during the Olympics, focusing on those brief moments on TV.

However, for her, track was a daily commitment. Every choice she made — what she ate, drank, and how she managed her time — directly impacted her performance. This daily dedication was what the world often did not see.

ShaCarri Richardson during the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials on June 19, 2021, in Eugene, Oregon. | Source: Getty Images

Her relentless dedication was clear in her training routine at Montverde Academy in central Florida. ShaCarri joined her teammates on the pristine track for practice sessions that ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine.

Central to her strength and perseverance was her grandmother, a tough woman who also made the track star tough.

Her grandmothers unwavering support and wisdom were key in shaping her resilience. When times were tough, her grandmothers straightforward advice was, “Dont start nothing and dont finish it. You start, you finish. Whatever happens, you keep going, you hear?”

This influence was touchingly displayed in a viral moment when ShaCarri sprinted up the stands to embrace her grandmother, celebrating one of her performances.

ShaCarri wholeheartedly agreed with her grandmothers words, saying that she owed everything to the strong, wise Black woman who raised her. While others also helped her along the way, her grandmother laid the foundation for her success.

Being raised by a strong Black woman led ShaCarri to embrace her identity as well. “I would say thats where I got my confidence from. Just the fact of being in a community, being from South Dallas, that is predominantly Black,” ShaCarri shared.

“Im going to stand in who I am at the end of the day. Im not going to change that,” she revealed. However, being an inspiring figure for Black women across the nation and the globe was not an easy task.

ShaCarri pointed out the double standards often faced by Black women, noting that behaviors considered sassy or aggressive in Black women might be seen differently if done by others.

“One of the most powerful Black men said it, but the most disrespected person in the United States is [the] Black woman,” ShaCarri added. However, she remained grateful for her heritage.

From her early days in Dallas to breaking records on the world stage, ShaCarri Richardson has consistently shown her dedication to track and field. Her vibrant style and proud embrace of her Black identity, along with the unwavering support of her grandmother, continue to inspire and empower.

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