Sha’Carri Richardson once expressed her admiration for retired sprint legend Usain Bolt, calling him the greatest sprinter in history and emphasizing that he deserves recognition for his achievements.
In a June 2021 interview with FloTrack, a journalist referenced a viral photo of Richardson and pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis from their freshman year at Louisiana State University (LSU). The document they were holding listed Bolt as Richardson’s favorite athlete. When asked if she had other inspirations, she explained her choice, stating:
“I said that because of the fact that Usain Bolt is an athlete that puts himself on the track. Uh, whether you dislike it, whether you like it, in a day you have to be able to give this man his credit because he is the greatest sprinter in history.”
Richardson also spoke about her close friendship with Duplantis, a two-time Olympic champion, calling him one of her favorite people. Their bond remains strong, as they are often seen together at events.
Three years later, Richardson made her Olympic debut at the 2024 Paris Games, securing two medals. She won gold in the women’s 4x100m relay and silver in the 100m final with a time of 10.87s.
Reflecting on her emotional moment on the relay podium, Richardson shared in an August 2024 interview with Refinery29:
“Getting emotional on the podium, that was not a plan, that was not scripted [laughs]. I would honestly say that moment was just a full-circle moment, just embracing everything, not even including what had happened in the general moment to make it on the podium, but just embracing the entire journey of being just a human and growing, not even just as an athlete, but as a woman, as a spirit.”
She expressed confidence that this was just the beginning of her journey, believing even greater achievements lay ahead.