Alexis Ohanian has recently expressed his admiration for Sha’Carri Richardson, even as her absence from the inaugural Athlos meet became a topic of discussion. Ohanian, best known as the co-founder of Reddit and husband of Serena Williams, has long been a vocal supporter of strong women in sports. His praise for Richardson underscores her journey through challenges and triumphs, making her one of the most compelling figures in athletics today.
The Athlos meet, an exclusive event offering $60,000 to each winner, marked Ohanian’s foray into hosting track events. Despite his efforts to include Richardson, the star athlete opted out due to exhaustion from an intense season that included the 2024 Paris Olympics. Ohanian acknowledged the toll the season had taken on athletes, noting in an interview that many competitors, including Richardson, were too drained to participate.
Richardson concluded her season at the 2024 Diamond League in Brussels after a stellar showing at the Paris Olympics. She claimed gold in the 4x100m relay and silver in the 100m, solidifying her redemption story. Though she missed Athlos, Richardson continues to make waves, particularly through her collaboration with Nike.
In March 2024, she signed a five-year, $20 million deal with Nike, and her presence in a high-profile campaign alongside LeBron James has been a game-changer. The campaign, tied to the Paris Olympics, featured the tagline “The times of my life” for Richardson and highlighted her resilience and success. The ad positioned her as both a track legend and a pop culture icon, further elevating her status in the sports world.
Ohanian remains one of Richardson’s most ardent supporters. He has publicly championed her energy, personality, and magnetism, which have made her an unforgettable presence on and off the track. Even though Richardson didn’t compete at Athlos, Ohanian’s respect for her journey and achievements continues to shine, suggesting that their paths may cross again in the future.