If we’re honest, the Texas track star’s race is just beginning.
Sha’Carri Richardson, the Texas track star, is poised for a triumphant return and is looking stunning while doing it. The 24-year-old, with the 2024 Olympics on the horizon and past dramas behind her, is a formidable presence in the world of athletics.
We all know Sha’Carri’s journey: the record-breaking achievements, the suspension, the resilience, and the unwavering support she’s garnered. What truly makes her comeback inspiring is her commitment to staying true to herself, her family, and her sport.
As she gears up for one of the most significant races of her career, Richardson shared her story in the August 2024 issue of Vogue. Through striking cover photos and an engaging narrative, she opened up about her journey.
Sha’Carri Richardson says stepping on the track, she’s just a ‘little girl grown up.’
Reflecting on her growth, Richardson told Vogue, “Every time I step onto the track, I think of all those moments when I was younger—all those feelings are still with me; I’m just that little girl grown up. It’s almost like a flashback journey, everything that brought me to that point: all the grind, all the sacrifice. And there’s a feeling of, this moment is special because all of that, the good, the bad, it’s brought me here. And I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
Richardson’s day begins with intense training at Montverde Academy in Florida, under the guidance of her coach, Dennis Mitchell. According to Vogue, her dedication is unwavering, even practicing after a dental emergency.
“You keep showing up, no matter what,” Richardson explained. “Everything I do—what I eat, what I drink, if I stay up too late—it’s all reflected on the track. Every choice. That’s what the world doesn’t see.”
While she doesn’t delve deeply into her childhood, Richardson credits her grandmother and close family for her success. She measures her accomplishments through the eyes of her cousins, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded and believing in oneself.
“Like, they can see, okay, we come from a certain place, but applying yourself, believing in yourself, staying grounded in yourself, it will take you so far,” said Richardson, who is also a spokesperson for Jacquemus.
The Vogue cover and accompanying photoshoot showcase Richardson’s strength, sass, and style. She dazzles in a gold bodysuit and skirt by Ralph Lauren, paired with Nike kicks, her hair styled in long, intricate braids. Other images capture her playful nature and her signature award-winning nails.
Summarizing her take on fashion and beauty, Richardson said, “I feel like fashion is the flow of the body. Fashion is the flow of expression. Fashion relates to the way I move my body. The way I run down the track is almost like the same way I could strut down the runway.”
Sha’Carri’s journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. But, if we’re honest, the Texas track star’s race is just beginning.
Read her full Vogue article, “Sha’Carri Is Going for Gold,” here.
