Richardson, Sha’Carri (2000-…), is an American track and field sprinter who competes in the 100-meter and 200-meter races. (One meter equals about 3 1/4 feet.) Richardson has become known for her personal style and joyful performances. Richardson gained international attention after her victory in the 100-meter dash at the United States Olympic Trials held before the 2020 Summer Olympic Games.
Richardson was born March 25, 2000, in Dallas, Texas. She attended Kathlyn Gilliam Collegiate Academy. The school did not offer sports, but she was able to compete in track and field at David W. Carter High School. She started competing as a runner in 2015. At the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympics, Richardson won the 100-meter title in 2016 and 2017. In 2018, Richardson enrolled at Louisiana State University (LSU). At the 2019 NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Track and Field Championships, Richardson broke the world junior record, collegiate record, and LSU record, running the 100-meter race in 10.75 seconds. She was also runner-up for the 200-meter race.
Richardson began her professional running career in June 2019, after completing her freshman year at LSU. She began training with the American coach and former Olympic runner Dennis Mitchell. Richardson became known for her brightly colored hair and long fingernails. She mentioned the American track and field athlete Florence Griffith-Joyner as an inspiration for both her style and athleticism.
In June 2021, Richardson qualified for the 2020 Olympics after winning the 100-meter race at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials. On June 19, 2021, she tested positive for THC, the main component in marijuana, a banned substance under World Anti-Doping Agency rules. Richardson apologized for using the drug. On July 1, her performance in the qualifiers was annulled (canceled), and she was suspended from competition for 30 days, effectively barring her from the Olympics. In August 2023, Richardson won the 100-meter title at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Her time of 10.65 seconds was a personal best.
