"Not just a better runner, I'm better at being myself"- Sha'Carri Richardson confident ahead of Paris Olympics 2024

US sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson is all set to make her Olympic debut in Paris this year. In a recent interaction with the media, she carried herself with self-assurance and gave an update on overall development ahead of the Summer Games.

The 24-year-old delivered a sensational performance in the 100m trials ahead of the Paris Olympics, winning in 10.71s. Her training partners, Melissa Jefferson and Twanisha Terry claimed second and third place respectively.

A few days after confirming her ticket for the Paris Olympics, Richardson spoke confidently in an interview with Vogue, opening up about her journey so far. Her mantra has been - "I'm not back, I'm better". Along with growing as an athlete, she now believes she's also better at being herself.

"I dont' just mean I'm a better runner," Richardson said. "It's beyond that. I'm better at being Sha'Carri. I'm better at being myself."

Richardson faced multiple issues during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, serving a one-month suspension after testing positive for marijuana. It was later revealed that she used the drug to cope with her biological mother's death. As a result of the controversy, Richardson couldn't make the US squad despite her powerful performance at the trials.

Sha'Carri Richardson on winning the 100m finals at the US Olympic Trials

Sha'Carri Richardson enters the 2024 Paris Olympics after a sensational run in the trials (IMAGE: GETTY)

Richardson was overjoyed after winning the 100m race at the US Olympic Trials, which were held from June 21 to 30. She reflected on the result in the post-race interview, admitting she was overcome with emotion. The sprinter attributed the win to the mental and physical hard work she's put in so far. (As quoted by ESPN)

"Definitely still confidence, still my exciting normal self, but more so overwhelmed with just emotions of joy," Richardson said. "I know that the hard work I've put into, not just physically on the track but as well as mentally and emotionally to grow into the mature young lady that I am today and that I'm going to grow into was a full-fledged surreal moment for me to actually embrace and be able to show to the world and on the track."

Richardson also spoke about the ebbs and flows she's gone through in her career so far and how they've shaped her into who she is today.

"Everything I've been through is everything I have been through to be in this moment right now. There's nothing I've been through that hasn't designed me to sit right here in front of you to answer this question"

Richardson will be seen running for her first 100m at the Olympics against the likes of Shericka Jackson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce from Jamaica.