ShaCarri Richardson had an interesting three-month.
In just one summer, she has gone from America's darling to one the most polarizing athletes in the sports world. She's had her fair share internet ridicule. Most of it is a result of the unjust scrutiny Black women face when they attain significant status. A lot of it is because of her mistakes.
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Richardson has continued to stir the pot this week after responding to an observation made by Usain Bolt, Olympic Legend.
Bolt, in an interview with The New York Post, stated that ShaCarri should train harder and be more focused than usual. Train hard, focus on it, and you can come back to it later and talk about it.
According to The Shade Room Richardson posted a statement in her Instagram story that another user had written. Richardson signed the statement of the user about people making statements on social media, but not to her.
Richardson should take this opportunity to learn, as she did with many other things in the year. Richardson already made a mistake when Allyson Felix attempted to support her publicly, and it was apparent that she had said something similar to her.
Her chance to correct her mistake should have been the Bolt situation. It is likely that two of the greatest Olympic track athletes ever speak highly of your track performance and you should just listen. She not only loses her support among the track community, but also the support of many fans who had been rocking along with her.
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Richardson is not being shamed, but this does highlight her personal growth. Even though you finished last in your most recent competitions, these stars don't owe Richardson a call. Richardson could benefit from their co-signing and their criticisms in her quest for a return to the woman who earlier this year posted the sixth fastest 100m run time in women's history.
She is 21 years old, and still learning how to perform on the public stage. It is difficult for young people to discern the difference between a critique or an attack. Richardson will hopefully learn that lesson soon.
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It is important to remember what a difficult year it has been for her. She lost her biological mother and was denied the chance to compete in the Olympics. In August, she finished last in her comeback race. She could be just a young woman trying figure everything out as the world comes at her.
Richardson will eventually put the pieces together and pray that it starts with her listening to the legends of the past.
