The old LSU track and field best friends are back. And we’ve wanted them to be for a long time. After all, in a sport where new rivalries keep sprouting every few days, the presence of genuine friendships can feel like a warm hug. Let’s just say Sha’Carri Richardson gave us a taste of that moment today. She’s here to prove — her college days at LSU may have been over long back. But she’s kept her inner circle tight!

Competitors on track; friends off it — Sha’Carri Richardson and Aleia Hobbs have been a duo to watch. We’re not going way back. Think of just 2024 and you’ll see how they have had to face each other in some of the mightiest track and field bids. For example: the U.S. Olympic Trials 2024. Richardson and Hobbs both eyed that women’s 100m Olympic qualification. But only one Tiger got through. Yet, their friendship continued to thrive, regardless. Sportsmanship at peak, you can say! And months after that, today, Sha’Carri Richardson’s remembering Hobbs for a special reason.

On February 24, Sha’Carri Richardson added an Instagram story for her close friend, Aleia Hobbs. With a perfect throwback-worthy image of them posing together from their university days, Richardson penned a special message for her on the occasion of her birthday. She wrote, “Happy Birthday to You! TRULY A GOAT TO me since day one by truly being yourself!!!” Richardson even boosted her spirits with a special note, “We getting up there [teary-eyed, laughing emoji]”

The two speedsters have been alternating on the track for the longest time now. All through 2019, from the LSU Alumni Gold meet to the 2023 USA Championships, Hobbs dominated the 100m category over Sha’Carri Richardson, with a 7-0 lead. Post that, the Dallas native took over, defeating Hobbs in 2 meets. But Sha’Carri’s still crowning Hobbs the ‘Goat’ and that’s really special. What better example of celebrating a true sports person than this?

Also, a sentiment of collective winning comes across in Sha’Carri Richardson’s statement: ‘We getting up there’ Yes, they both have been World Champions and Olympic silver medalists. And that’s how Richardson’s words sound true! Clearly, in times when athletes push for the closest margins and strive to dominate the rest, Richardson’s setting an example of how they can thrive together.

Also, coming to their personal equation, this is not the first time Sha’Carri Richardson’s remembered a special day in Aleia Hobbs’ life. She seems to have her calendar marked for another special birthday that’s related to her.

Sha’Carri Richardson seemed to have a nickname for Hobb’s son

Back in 2023, Sha’Carri Richardson added an Instagram story for Aleia Hobbs’ son, Amir. She penned, “@aleiabitofthis HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIL SOLDIER.” That’s when Hobbs instantly chimed back on behalf of her toddler, “He said thankyou teetee.” At that moment, it was clear: Sha’Carri Richardson and Aleia Hobbs share a close dynamic.

Aleia Hobbs’ son Amir was born in 2022, but was abandoned soon after. Both Hobbs and her partner had discussed adoption earlier. She told NBC it was an instant yes since so many kids actually need homes. Thus, when she got a call from the hospital saying: “There’s a baby in the hospital. He doesn’t have a mother, would y’all want him?” Hobbs let out a yes instantly.

Today, it’s clear that both Hobbs and his son share a close dynamic with Sha’Carri Richardson. The two track athletes go back to their university days and have come a long way since then while keeping the friendship intact. What do you think of this? Let us know below!