Sha’Carri Richardson is not only lightning fast on the track. The 24-year-old has become a global icon for her authentic personality and her vibrant aesthetics–bright-colored shoes and ensemble plus her iconic long fingernails–she displays before delivering a masterful performance.
Richardson will seek to win her first Olympic medal at the Paris Games. After running a blistering 10.94 seconds to take first place in the opening round of the women’s 100 meters on Friday, she will return to the track on Saturday in the semifinals, putting one step closer to her Olympic dreams.
However, Richardson wouldn’t be setting and eclipsing world records if not for her aunt, Shay, who she considers her mom. Shay has been an integral part in the sprinter’s life and Richardson doesn’t take that for granted.
What does Richardson’s family tree look like? Here's an account of her most important parts as well as her inspiration for running track.
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Who is Sha’Carri Richardson’s grandmother?
Richardson’s grandmother is Betty Harp. She was Richardson’s primary caregiver as a kid. In turn, Richardson views Harp as a “superwoman.” When Richardson ran a blazing 10.86 seconds in the 100 meter dash at the 2021 U.S. Olympic track and field trials, Harp was there to witness it in person. However, that moment also marked the first time she flew on an airplane to see her granddaughter deliver one of the fastest times in track and field history.
What happened to Sha’Carri Richardson mom?
Richardson’s biological mother died one week before the dynamic sprinter crushed her performance at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track and Field trials in Eugene, Oregon. Despite the absence of Richardson’s mother, she is thankful for her.
“I am grateful for her giving me life, bringing me into this world … and I will always love and respect her for that," she said, per the Team USA website.
Who is Sha’Carri Richardson's aunt?
While Richardson’s grandparents were her primary caregivers, Shayaria Richardson was very influential in her life, serving as he first track coach.
During a June interview with NBC 5 in Dallas, Richardson referred to Shay as a “pillar” in her life and how she has made it better.
“Understanding you may not come from ideal circumstances, but at the same time, it’s not where you start … it’s the direction you want to go. I wouldn’t have even started running track if it wasn’t for my mom [Shay].”
Who inspired Sha’Carri Richardson's track career?
Richardson does not become the fourth fastest American woman in history if not from the inspiration from Shay. Betty Harp produced a plaque of medals for Shay. When Richardson was a kid, she saw the brass and told her grandmother that she wanted one like Shay’s, according to an interview with Teen Vogue in 2022.
However, Betty Harp told the young Richardson that getting a medal wouldn’t be an easy task.
“She was like, ‘well you got to do something to get some medals,’” per Vogue.
Shay started taking Richardson to the track around the age of 9. From there, Richardson took off with the sport in middle and high school, where she started receiving national attention for her blazing speed and awards.
