Sha’Carri Richardson honored with Athlete of the Year Award

After a historic performance at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest earlier this year, Sha’Carri Richardson is adding another win to her already impressive return to the spotlight. Richardson is the USA Track and Field’s Athlete of the Year, an accomplishment that came “when it’s supposed to happen,” as said by the star athlete.

According to VIBE magazine, Richardson was presented with the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Athlete of the Year for Women Award on December 3 at the USA Track and Field’s Night of Legends ceremony.

She accepted the award with a speech that set the tone for her much-anticipated comeback. “With the God that I serve, everything happens when it’s supposed to happen,” she said.

With this new honor comes a massive responsibility that Richardson is utterly aware of and aims to uphold while inspiring others. “So when I stand here today as the world champion, that’s because now was the time for that to happen. Now is the most impactful it would be, the most powerful it would be, and the most sincere it would be.”

At Budapest’s World Athletic Championships, Richardson took home medals in the 100m, 200m, and women’s 4x100m relay competitions, becoming the world’s fastest woman. In a society where female athletes are scrutinized, Sha’Carri Richardson kept her head held high during a challenging time in her life and career, which resulted in her not being allowed to participate in the 2021 Olympics.

Her 2023 return to the top showcases the ability to keep pushing, even when the world is against you. Richardson has always been an outspoken athlete who keeps it real, which resonates with millions of her supporters.

As she prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics, wins will continue to pile up for this future Track and Field legend; if Sha’Carri Richardson wasn’t a household name before, it certainly is now.