Sha’Carri Richardson has always been a force to be reckoned with. Her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics solidified her place as a true track and field superstar. With every stride she took, Richardson captivated audiences worldwide, but it was her breathtaking speed, poise under pressure, and unwavering determination that ultimately earned her the gold. Just hours after her Olympic debut, Richardson tapped 21Ninety to share her experiences from her first Summer Games.
“It has been humbling,” she reflected on her experience in Paris. “It has been fun. And I cannot wait for L.A.”
The road to the Olympics has been a tumultuous one for Richardson. After bursting onto the scene with her electrifying performances and bold personality, she faced a series of challenges that could have derailed her career. From a suspension that kept her out of the Tokyo Games to personal losses that tested her resolve, Richardson’s journey over the past four years has been marked by both highs and lows. Yet, through it all, she has emerged stronger and more determined than ever.
“You have to pour into the positivity because there’s a lot out there, but no matter what’s going on, having hard work and applying yourself and the love and understanding that support is fully behind you—it’s something I take full pride in,” Richardson said, reflecting on how her journey led her to Olympic glory.
Black Girl Magic on Full Display
One of the highlights of Richardson’s Olympic debut was her role in the 4×100 meter relay. In that race, she and her all-Black women’s team clinched the gold medal. The victory was not just a win for Richardson and her teammates, but a powerful display of Black Girl Magic on the world stage.
“It has been an experience of honestly being a part of greatness,” Richardson said. “I love the fact that I’ve been able to see women be at their ultimate best, especially Black women, and being able to pour into one another.”
The camaraderie and mutual respect among the athletes were palpable, and Richardson’s pride in her team’s achievement was evident.
“All four of us had a common goal… All of us had an understanding that no matter what needs to be happening, we need to get that done,” she explained.
During the relay, Richardson delivered a particularly memorable moment when she stared down a competitor just before crossing the finish line—a bold gesture that quickly went viral.
“That’s like a whole different person on the track than right now,” she laughed, recalling the intense moment. “There’s no way that you can feel like… I’m not even going to let you feel like you did better than me because I know, I know I did my best.”
Her fierce competitiveness on the track is balanced by a deep commitment to authenticity and self-expression, qualities that have made her an inspiration to Black women everywhere.
Commitment to Showcasing Boundless Beauty
Richardson’s unapologetic embracement of her identity extends beyond her athletic achievements. She has become a symbol of empowerment, encouraging women to express themselves fully, regardless of their profession. This philosophy was on full display in her carefully curated looks for the Olympics, which featured her signature bold hairstyles, striking makeup, and impeccable nails.
“The women that I allowed to create my looks from my hair to my nails… they just understand who I am as an individual, but I trust their creativity to express who I am,” she explained.
Her collaboration with her beauty team not only showcased her style but also highlighted her belief in the importance of being true to oneself.
A key part of Richardson’s beauty routine during the Olympics was her partnership with Olay, a brand that shares her commitment to self-care and empowerment. She credits Olay’s products, particularly their moisturizers and cleansers, with helping her maintain her radiant skin throughout the intense competition.
“Definitely from just being outside, taking care of my skin, it would be in my Olay Melts, just cleanse and everything,” she shared.
This partnership goes beyond skincare, as it aligns with Richardson’s broader mission to inspire confidence and self-expression in women everywhere.
Mental Health at the Forefront
As she reflects on her Olympic debut, Richardson emphasizes the importance of mental health—a topic that has been central to her journey. Competing on the world stage comes with immense pressure, but Richardson has learned to protect her peace by focusing on positivity and surrounding herself with supportive people.
“You have to have your world that carries you through everything,” she said. “That would help me through my mental ability, my spiritual ability, as well as ultimately those two equal into the physical ability that I have.”
This holistic approach has been key to Richardson’s success, and she plans to carry these lessons with her as she looks ahead to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
“I want to grow in that. I want to be back in L.A., 2028 Olympics, and doing my very best and showing up in the way that no matter what’s going on, every time I’ve put here, track even between now and then… that I leave my full self on the track and just continue to thrive,” Richardson declared.
With her sights set on the future, there’s no doubt that Sha’Carri Richardson will continue to make her mark on the world—on and off the track.