Will The Real Sha’Carri Richardson Please Stand Up?

Sha’Carri Richardson, the 8th fastest female 100-meter dasher in world history, has been a polarizing figure since her famous suspension for her positive THC test right after the Olympic trials. Her fans have passionately defended her since the suspension was handed down, while her critics have derided her with the same fervent energy.

Last weekend, many people, including myself looked forward to seeing Sha’Carri return to action at the Prefontaine Classic. She was basically taking on the all of the Tokyo 2020 finalists, which notably included the medal winning members of the Jamaican track team. The pre-race hype had been at a fever pitch all week and now we would finally get to see the race we were all hoping for in Tokyo before the suspension. Will Sha’Carri Richardson be the heir apparent to the Flo Jo legacy? Could she single-handedly dominate Elaine Thompson-Herah AND Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce in the same race?

The race was run. Jamaica dominated.

Sha’Carri Richardson came in last place.

Dead ass last place.

For me, Sha’Carri’s loss didn’t really come as a surprise, as I figured she didn’t utilize her “time off” wisely. I also wasn’t surprised at her post-race comments. If I’m being totally honest, I was actually found myself embarrassed for Sha’Carri. After the race, all Sha’Carri had to do was congratulate her competitors and show a little contrition for her underwhelming performance on the track and the narrative that has been dogging her since the Olympic trials would have turned. Instead, when the microphone was put in her face, she very confidently doubled down on her boisterous declarations simultaneously exciting her fans and incensing her critics.

Unfortunately, Sha’Carri’s off the track antics are continuing to dominate the headlines more than her track and field efforts as of late. Even as I type this, there is an inexplicable social media feuds brewing between Sha’Carri and Allyson Felix (primarily on Sha’Carri’s side of the Twitterverse)and Team Jamaica. And much like in real life, Sha’Carri is finding herself on the losing end of these situations as well.

Sha’Carri Richardson is clearly a very gifted young athlete. Her raw talent has been on full display on the track for the last few years. She has the personality and ability that can not only make her the new face of U.S. Track and Field but perhaps even lead our Women’s Olympic Track Team back to dominance. And as much as we the fans want to see that happen, the question that remains of course is, is that something Sha’Carri actually wants for herself.

Time will eventually tell if Sha’Carri will choose to be ‘That Girl’ or if she will become the substance of another “what if” conversation in the local barbershop. I hope she choose to be That Girl.