Who is Sha’Carri Richardson? Why was she chosen to promote the Paris Olympics with Cardi B?

Sha’Carri Richardson, born on March 25, 2000, in Dallas, Texas, is renowned as one of the world’s fastest female sprinters, particularly excelling in the 100-meter dash. Her journey to athletic prominence began in 2021 when she qualified for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, although she ultimately missed the Games due to testing positive for marijuana—a setback from which she recovered admirably.

Raised by her grandmother and aunt after having no relationship with her biological parents, Richardson’s athletic prowess emerged during her high school years at David W. Carter High School in Dallas. She quickly rose to prominence on the national stage, winning the 100-meter dash at the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympics in 2016 and claiming a bronze medal in the 200 meters at the USA Track and Field (USATF) National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships in 2017.

Richardson’s collegiate career at Louisiana State University (LSU) further solidified her status as a track-and-field sensation. In 2019, she set an NCAA record with a blistering 10.75-second run in the 100-meter dash, earning her The Bowerman award for the most outstanding NCAA track-and-field athlete of the year.

Despite facing adversity in 2021 with her suspension from the Olympics, Richardson remained resilient and bounced back in 2023 with a string of remarkable achievements. She clinched victory in the 100-meter dash at the USATF Outdoor Championships and went on to claim gold at the world championships in Budapest, clocking in at 10.65 seconds—a performance that solidified her as one of the fastest female sprinters in history. Additionally, Richardson contributed to her team’s gold in the 4 × 100-meter relay and secured a bronze in the 200 meters.

Known for her vibrant and bold style both on and off the track, Richardson captivates fans with her tenacity and confidence, embodying resilience and determination in the face of adversity. As she prepares to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Richardson continues to inspire with her extraordinary talent and unwavering spirit.