World champion Sha’Carri Richardson attributes her personal growth and success to embracing change, both in her athletic career and personal life. The 24-year-old American sprinter, who captured the 100m world title in Budapest with a record-breaking 10.65 seconds, shared her journey of developing into the woman she is today.
Having secured her place among the top athletes in the world, Richardson has used her emotional intelligence as a cornerstone of her career, particularly after facing difficult moments. “They’re my kryptonite,” she said, acknowledging the role of emotional resilience in building her career.
In 2023, she added a 200m bronze medal and helped secure the women’s 4x100m relay title at the World Championships. During the Paris 2024 Olympics, she claimed a 100m silver and contributed to a relay gold. Her rise on the global stage was fueled by support from close friends and family who have been crucial in both her success and her accountability.
Reflecting on this support, Richardson shared, “I feel like being with people who pour into me has shown me I’m everything that I know that I want to give out to the world, and I know I’m everything that I feel in myself.” Her friends, who stuck by her through tough times, played a key role in her development, even when she felt stagnant.
She continued, “There was a time I felt stuck, and now I feel like I love the softness and femininity that I’m able to walk in. I have people that I know that if I fall backward, they’re right there.”
Richardson emphasized how her relationships have helped her be kinder to herself, noting that she has found a community that understands, supports, and holds her accountable.
