Let me explain. Sha’Carri Richardson has been doing her thing in silence for years. Before she made it to the mainstream’s radar, she was tackling her craft inch-by-inch with blood, sweat, and tears. No one saw the long workouts she endured all while managing the domestic activity that corresponds to a young person’s life. When the masses finally began to recognize her for her hard work and talent, it was apparent that Sha’Carri was not just a track runner or athlete — she was, and still is, a transformational leader in more ways than one.
Although the sprinter is still considered to be in her career’s infancy, her uniqueness and “it” factor could be equated with the likes of some of the greatest sports figures of our time, including Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods, Floyd Mayweather, and so forth. The common bond that these athletes shared was that they were celebrated, lifted up to the highest peaks of recognition, all before the media and critics attempted to smash their legacies into smithereens. Every single one of these sports figures endured public scrutiny and judgment, and were taunted with their own sports records.
For the world, greatness is not enough. “They” are quick to tell you what you can’t do, that is, until you prove them wrong. Then, “they” will manipulate you by saying you can’t surpass your previous accomplishments in an effort to set the bar even higher. Should you pass that challenge, it’s time to tear this great gift to the world down and dim that light that shines so bright. God forbid that the person of target gives “them” license by making stupid choices, which is bound to happen if you’re human. People with public platforms have experienced this rinse-and-repeat cycle of societal dysfunction across industries, but especially in sports and entertainment.
Sha’Carri is not an exception to the rule. All the praise and acclaim catapulted her name to the heights of media coverage after she placed first in the 100-meter final at the Olympic trials. She inspired people all over the world with her story of overcoming adversity as an adopted child with humble beginnings. A clear underdog, Sha’Carri’s victory tugged at our hearts even more when it was revealed that her biological mother had died right before the Olympic trials.
It started innocently enough. Major media outlets sharing her story and providing insurmountable coverage. But then, it became obsessive, intrusive, and more like a frenemy pretending to like you to learn all of your strengths and weaknesses. That energy spilt over to messy blogs with questionable intentions…and then, the story was now out of her control. The false pretenses and disingenuous support, coupled with the adversity that the universe served Sha’Carri is enough to make anyone crumble under the pressure.
The rain poured when the 21-year-old rising star tested positive for a marijuana-related chemical right before the Tokyo Olympics. She was placed on a 30-day ban that left her out as a contender to represent the USA in the Olympics. To be honest, her presence was missed and some would argue that many people tuned out because the “light” was missing. Fast forward to the Prefontaine Classic that took place on Saturday (Aug. 21) in Eugene, Oregon. Sha’Carri ended up finishing in ninth place, behind runners Shericka Jackson (third place), ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce (second place), and Elaine Thompson-Herah (first place), all Jamaican contenders. Sha’Carri would also withdraw from the 200-meter final she was scheduled to compete in at the Classic. The blow was enough to compel Sha’Carri to address the criticism she knows is coming.
“Count me out if you want to,” Sha’Carri said in an interview after the race. “Talk all the s— you want, ’cause I’m here to stay. I’m not done. I’m the sixth-fastest woman in this game, ever. And can’t nobody ever take that from me. Congratulations to the winners. Congratulations to the people that won, but they’re not done seeing me yet. Period.”
Is it safe to say that the “world,” which consists of an omnium gatherum of unfair critics, crab-in-the-bucket haters, and secretly envious admirers, slightly redirected Sha’Carri’s trajectory or victory lap with their boorish prodding and manipulations? It’s a lesson for her, and all of those who are pursuing their dreams…When on the brink of greatness, move in silence, doing the same things you were doing that made you push above and beyond the milestones you set in the first place. Don’t change the formula if it’s working. Don’t add new people and self-imposed problems to the equation. Just continue to move, and let the silence be your violence.
History has shown that the “lights” of the world don’t give up easy. They’re usually people who have overcome the most rigorous of challenges in life and are inspired by something so deep within that the superficial irritations that come with their journey are not enough to deter them. It’s annoying for those who have given in to the world’s beatdown. Understandably, no one wants to be reminded of their inadequacies and failures. To see the “lights” continue to shine even without the resources, network, and know-how is seen as intimidating to some. Otherwise, they would encourage people when they fall from grace, instead of further kick them when they’re down. Sha’Carri is a light because she understands that one loss doesn’t equate to the totality of her wins. Hopefully, she also knows that the best position she could be in is the one where everyone underestimates your potential.
Sha’Carri continued, “Today was a day, but it’s not every day. It’s not the end of the world. And like I say, if you count me out, jokes on you.”
