Sha'Carri Richardson Reflects on Her Grandmother and Aunt's Impact on Her Life
Sha’Carri Richardson recently secured her place at the upcoming Olympic games. Still, the athlete isn’t taking all the credit and says it would all be impossible without the resilient women in her life.
In a new interview with Vogue published online on Tuesday (July 9), the Texas native, who graces the cover of Vogue's August issue, recalled seeing “a framed set of medals on her grandmother’s wall—prizes won by her aunt Shay Richardson when she was the family track star.”
She also shared memories of realizing her speed for the first time and racing her aunt up the street in their South Dallas neighborhood.
The 24-year-old emphasized the impact of her family, including her grandmother Betty Harp, whom Richardson refers to as “Big Momma.” She credits her with “making me the person I am.”
Her grandmother described her as “tough,” adding, “I made her tough.”
Richardson agreed, saying, “Everything I am, it’s because of that strong, wise Black woman,” in reference to Big Momma. “Everything. I mean, I’ve been blessed because I’ve had other people in my life who have helped me along. But the foundation, that’s her.”
Richardson is set to make her debut at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France, later this month after winning the 100-meter final last month at the Olympic trials at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
The sports star finished in first place with a time of 10.71 seconds, the fastest time in the 100-meter event in the world in 2024.
