Sha'Carri Richardson keeping her focus while looking for first win of the season at Eugene Diamond League
Sha’Carri Richardson is on the cusp of what could be a special year for the American sprinter. Coming off of the 2023 World Championship, where she won two golds and a bronze, Richardson has the Olympic Trials and possibly the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in her future. She said at worlds that she’s not back, she’s better, and this year she gets to prove that statement.
Before that, she is scheduled to run at the Prefontaine Diamond League in Eugene, Oregon, on Saturday (25 May.) It will be her first 100m race in 2024 after winning the world championship over the distance in 2023. Richardson took second and third in two 200m races earlier this year, and second in a 4x100m relay. In Oregon, she is expected to face off with 60m world indoor champion Julien Alfred of St. Lucia and Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith of Côte d'Ivoire.
As the big races near, Richardson spoke about how she is keeping her circle close. That’s helped her stay motivated and locked in on her goals.
“I’ve created my own type of environment where I’m locked in on a day to day,” Richardson said to Yahoo Sports. “With my family and my friends, I’m in this bubble and I don't have to worry about the outside stuff getting in. It’s easy to maintain that motivation and focus.”
She has one member of her family in particular who has helped her build her life.
“My mom has definitely been a pillar in my life to just be better,” Richardson said. “Understanding you may not come from ideal circumstances, but at the same time, it’s not where you start... it’s the direction you want to go. I wouldn’t have even started running track if it wasn’t for my mom.”
Sha’Carri Richardson’s name added to the track where she first learned to run
Richardson began running when she was growing up in Dallas, encouraged by her godmother – and high school coach. Now, her name will live on in Texas.
The track at the Jesse Owens Memorial Athletic Complex in Dallas was recently named in her honor. It’s the same track where she first learned to run as a young girl growing up in Texas. She told NBC 5 in Dallas that this was a full circle moment.
“Dallas is a special place to me,” Richardson said. “Dallas means a lot to me because of the simple fact that it’s where I’m from. I started my journey there of being not even just an athlete, but a child, a young woman.”
She wants to be an inspiration for the next generation of runners, and having her name on the track has made her more aware of how athletes will continue to look up to her.
“It truly gives me a sense of responsibility and pride and a sense of awareness. We’re all humans, and to just be able to look at each other and relate or just feed off one another’s energy is one of my biggest missions.”
Richardson served a one-month suspension in 2021 after testing positive for cannabis during the U.S. trials. Cannabis is a banned substance per World Anti-Doping Agency rules.