Did you know that the colour of her hair holds a special meaning?
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Sha’Carri Richardson is blazing fast, both on the track and in her meteoric rise in the world of athletics. Beyond her record-breaking sprints, Richardson is a vibrant, resilient, and fascinating figure who defies stereotypes. Ahead of Netflix’s new series of Sprint, here are six facts that might surprise you about this exceptional athlete.
Her hair is a reflection of her mood – and strategy
Sha’Carri’s ever-changing hair colours are more than just bold fashion choices; each hue carries a unique meaning. She shared that her choice of hair colour aligns with how she wants to feel before a race: red, for example, signals dominance, while black is a calming force. She sported eye-catching orange during the 2021 trials, inspired by a loved one, to embody “dangerous” energy.
She’s already a history-maker
In 2019, as a college freshman, Richardson clocked the fastest-ever wind-legal 100m (10.75) and 200m (22.17) in one day at the NCAA Championships, setting a record previously held by the legendary Merlene Ottey. Her explosive performance made her the second-fastest woman under age 20 globally – a testament to her raw talent and competitive spirit.
Family is everything to her
While Sha’Carri often speaks about personal independence, family remains her bedrock. After her qualifying race in the US trials, she shared an emotional embrace with her grandmother, symbolising the support she’s received from her close-knit family during challenging times. Her journey took an emotional turn in 2021 when she publicly revealed the recent loss of her biological mother just before the Olympic trials – a moment that drew attention to the strength she finds in her family’s support.
She left college to go pro early
It’s not every day that an athlete steps onto the global stage so early in their career. After her record-setting NCAA Championships performance, Richardson made the bold decision to leave Louisiana State University (LSU) to chase her professional dreams. She moved to Clermont, Florida, focusing solely on her athletic career – sacrificing a traditional college experience for her goal of becoming one of the fastest women in the world.
Mental health advocacy is part of her mission
Richardson is outspoken about the importance of mental health, openly discussing her journey to maintain a strong mental game. She’s stated that she sees each phase of life as a chance for growth and reflection. Her transparency on this issue offers a refreshing perspective in the high-pressure world of competitive sports, where mental health challenges are often left unaddressed.
She draws style inspiration from track icon Florence Griffith-Joyner
Known for her expressive style, Richardson has been compared to Florence Griffith-Joyner (aka Flo-Jo), a trailblazing sprinter famous for her unique fashion on the track. Sha’Carri embraces the comparison with pride and often references Flo-Jo as a role model. Richardson’s bold fashion – bright hair, striking nails – reflects her admiration for the icon, even as she pushes to build her own legacy.
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