This is Sam Fariss’s fifth piece for RunBlogRun. She wanted to explore how Sha’ Carrie Richardson and Usain Bolt’s interchange would be seen in the social world. Sha’Carrie Richardson is one of the most talented athletes in the American sport. She is also an athlete who has had to deal with challenging personal issues in front of millions of the curious on social media. How would you do with such a lack of privacy?
Sha’Carri Richardson, photo to Kevin Morris / kevmofoto.com
Sha’Carri Richardson made a name for herself over this past summer between her jaw-dropping hair, awe-inspiring races and head-turning personality. After being barred from racing for one month after a positive drug test, Richardson had a chance to redeem herself at the Prefontaine Classic in August, yet fell short from glory, finishing last in the 100 meter race.
Richardson’s boisterous personality has remained a constant even throughout her tribulations over the past year. Even following the Pre Classic, her social media presence and determination never seemed to waiver.
Many fans admire her optimism and ability to be her true self yet some are saying she needs to take a step back until she can back up what she has said with her performances.
“I would tell Sha’Carri to train harder and to be focused and not say too much… If you talk that big talk, you have to back it up,” Usain Bolt said.
Bolt, who is also known for his incredible track and field success, never failed to show his big personality after his record setting races. He also said Richardson should feel free to talk that big talk once she’s put in the work and had international success.
Richardson, of course, did not let these comments slide by without a response of her own.
“Everybody want to give advice in the media but none of them actually take the time to speak to her outside the media. So I feel her. Stop speaking on me when you don’t even speak to me,” Richardson shared on her Instagram story.
Bolt had shared that he had not been in direct contact with Richardson because he doesn’t actually know her. Richardson says that athletes should support one another, despite being from the two countries that have found the most success in the 100 meter races.
The public, and Bolt, will have to wait and see what is in Richardson’s future but one thing is for sure, her career and her personality aren’t fading anytime soon.
