"Sha'Carri Richardson is not copying any previous greats" - Michael Johnson hails sprinter's 'authentic' personality

Sha'Carri Richardson continues to grow in popularity following an impressive campaign at the Paris Olympics 2024. The American sprinter has an outgoing personality on the track, and track legend Michael Johnson believes it's the authenticity that makes the Olympic medalist shine on and off the track.

Richardson has had a rollercoaster of a journey following her rise in 2019. After breaking the NCAA record over 100m, the 24-year-old turned professional the same year and soon began to leave her mark on the senior circuits. She had her dream come true after qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics, but it was a short-lived moment for the LSU alumni as she tested positive for marijuana in the following days.

For nearly a year, the 24-year-old didn't look at her best, failing to qualify for the 2022 World Championships as well. Richardson roared back to form in early 2023 and in the following months, she announced herself as the world champion, winning the title in Budapest in 10.65s, the fifth fastest time in history. A year later, she fulfilled her Olympic dream in Paris, winning a gold and silver medal in the French capital.

Sprinting legend Michael Johnson heaped praise on Richardson’s journey, calling her one of the most ‘interesting’ athletes.

“I think Sha'Carri is a very good example of an athlete who is not copying any previous greats to make an impact in the sport,” the four-time Olympic champion told Olympics.com.

“The people that make the biggest impact are those who are just authentically themselves. And she is certainly that, an amazing talent who's had a unique journey to actually realise her talent on the track and win medals. She's probably one of the most interesting athletes and a fantastic talent," he added.

Despite a poor start off the blocks, Sha'Carri Richardson won the silver medal in the women's 100m finals at the Paris Olympics, clocking 10.87s for second place behind Julian Alfred, who won gold in 10.72s. The 24-year-old later anchored the USA 4x100m relay team to gold in the final.

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“The baton was just full of love and determination” - Sha'Carri Richardson on 4x100m relay gold medal run

2024 Summer Olympics - Sha'Carri Richardson in action (Source: Getty)

Sha'Carri Richardson received the baton from Gabby Thomas in the fourth position. But as soon as the world champion got hold of it, she sprung and flew away, running down the field with nearly 20m before the finish line.

Reflecting on the race, Richardson claimed she felt a surge of determination and love on receiving the baton.

"Once I got the stick, it was like the baton was just full of love and determination. I just knew that when I had this baton in my hand, not only was it for these three ladies before me, but it's for a nation. It's for a world that understands and believes in us four. So getting this thing and running down the track, I knew there was no option but to do my best and I did my best, " she told Refinery29 in an interview.

Sha'Carri Richardson is now scheduled to run in the Diamond League, first in Zurich over the 100m and later in both the 100m and the 200m in Brussels.