Too Ghetto

In 2021, Sha’Carri Richardson was the female track athlete to watch. Beyond her immense athletic ability, Richardson has a very different way she expresses herself in the public eye. With her colorful wigs, long nails, and bold personality, Richardson quickly stood out as someone who wasn’t afraid to break from the norm. However, instead of being celebrated for her individuality, she faced harsh criticism. Many people labeled her as ‘ghetto’ or ‘too much,’ trying to reduce her to a stereotype because of her unapologetic and confident demeanor.

These reactions highlighted the societal discomfort with women, particularly Black women, who embrace their full selves without conforming to traditional expectations. Despite the criticism, Richardson remained unfazed and continued to express herself authentically, using her platform to encourage others to embrace their uniqueness. In 2024, Sha’Carri won Gold and Silver at the Paris Olympics. Through her resilience, she not only redefined what it means to be a track and field athlete but also challenged the norms surrounding beauty, femininity, and strength in sports. 

Sha’Carri Richardson resonates with me not just as an athlete or a woman, but because she fearlessly embraces her true self in a world where women have long been confined to certain stereotypes. She stands as a powerful example to new generations of female athletes, showing them they should never be ashamed of who they are.