To say that Sha’Carri Richardson has had a successful year would be an understatement, given that in addition to her professional accomplishments, she also went above and beyond to become something of a role model for the next generation.
The 23-year-old has been honored multiple times throughout the year for her remarkable track and field accomplishments, with her most recent being named United States Track and Field Athlete (USATF) Jackie Joyner- Kersee Female Athlete Of The Year.
Richardson wins Female athlete of the Year
Richardson was named the most outstanding female athlete of the year at the 2023 USATF Night of Legends, which was hosted in conjunction with the USATF Annual Meeting in Orlando this past Saturday. That evening, many athletes received recognition for their exceptional performances, including Noah Lyles, who received the Jesse Owens Male Athlete of the Year award.
In her acceptance speech, Sha’Carri expressed her conviction that everyone has their own seasons and that she’s standing now as a world champion because it’s time for it to happen. She also stated that she is fully aware of her influence and responsibility within her community now.
Sha’carri Richardson speaks 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/ynhVt1RtKS
— Track Spice 🌶️ (@trackspice) December 3, 2023
Richardson turned around her fate
Two years ago, Richardson crashed at rock bottom when she tested positive for THC, a substance found in marijuana, and was subsequently suspended for 30 days and banned from competing in the 100-meter race at the Tokyo Olympics. The reason behind her recreational drug use was mainly attributed to the loss of her mother and the pressure to make the Olympic team. In the following year, 2022, Richardson placed 23rd out of 31 in the trials and did not qualify for the US World Championships team.
Nevertheless, Richardson overcame her obstacles to become a stronger athlete rather than wallowing in the bottom. She was able to change her fortune this year and make multiple trips to the podium; her most notable accomplishment came at the World Athletics Championships, when she won two gold medals and one bronze for her astonishing performances in the 100-, 200-, and 4×100-meter races.
She was also recently honored at her hometown, Dallas, where they re-named a track after her and declared ‘November 10’ as ‘Sha’Carri Richardson Day.’
Sha’carri Richardson getting her “Female Athlete Of The Year” award by USATF 🏆
📸 @usatf pic.twitter.com/vGek8K1IIF
— Track Spice 🌶️ (@trackspice) December 3, 2023
Cover Photo: IG