Who wouldn’t want to look at what happens behind the scenes in the lives of their favorite speedsters? Shortly before the Paris Olympics commenced, the streaming giant Netflix dropped the ultimate documentary that would satisfy every track and field fan’s itch. Each 45-minute-long episode captured the raw emotions Sha’Carri Richardson, Noah Lyles, and others had leading up to the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. But this was only the first half of a thrilling docuseries.

While fans worldwide enjoyed SPRINT: The World’s Fastest Humans, track and field veteran Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith felt differently. Contesting in the ongoing Diamond League, the sprinter settled for a third-place finish in the 100m finals in Brussels. Julien Alfred clinched a win with 10.88 seconds, while Richardson placed 8th in 11.05 seconds. With 31 points, she is currently at the top of the DL table for the event. In a post-race interview, she revealed she had a bone to pick with the docuseries. “I feel really disrespected.” Why is that, you ask?

Ta Lou-Smith stated, “Because when you say that you’re going to do a series about the fastest people in the world, I mean, you show every people. You don’t show only people who win.” The 35-year-old competed in the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. But she couldn’t make the podium. “Track and field is not only about winning, it’s about also people who overcome different situations; good or bad.” She believes that if the docuseries wanted to show the real side of the sport, they should’ve shown everything instead of leaving certain things out.

The sprinter continued, “You not follow people, record them for many hours every time to just show people who win. This is not good.” While many fans witnessed Sha’Carri Richardson and others on their screens, fans noticed the Ivorian missing. However, the docuseries crew had followed her around for an entire year. “I’m an African record holder. I deserve respect. People look at me. Some other people from Africa see me as a role model. So, as a role model, everything I show them is not always winning medal,” she exclaimed. In fact, she had informed her family and friends about the show. However, the sprinter eventually noticed she wasn’t even in it. 

Ta Lou-Smith puts great emphasis on how her journey has been so far. “When I started track and field, I was not winning. People were beating me, but it’s by my hard work, by the sacrifices I made, this is what put me where I am.” According to the sprinter, if these factors didn’t count, then what was the point of the series? “I think that this is the moment where they have to respect everyone coming from Africa and everywhere in the world.” She reiterates how the sport is not only about winning. It’s about overcoming all the adversities life throws at you.

Africa’s Fastest Woman concludes by pointing out how important it is to show the real track life because many are struggling, and fans need to see that side. Even though she seemed extremely unsatisfied, her parting note was filled with positive vibes and a huge smile. However, she isn’t the only one left out of the docuseries. The second half is on the brink of its release. But Sha’Carri Richardson might not be as prevalent as she was in the first installment.

Will Sha’Carri Richardson return for another season of SPRINT?

The first season was well-received by many. However, fans were hoping for some more track and field action. Netflix has already announced that the second season will soon be on its way, and the time has almost come! The second installment, releasing November 13, will focus on the 2024 Paris Summer Games, Diamond Leagues, and Athlos with even more sprinters than before. One of them will be the Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred. But while announcing the names for the series, fans noticed one name missing.

Sha’Carri Richardson was a huge part of the first season. However, her exclusion from the upcoming season has caused quite a stir. There hasn’t been an official statement regarding the incident. But many assumed this could be due to her decision to end her season early. The sprinter surprised many with her contention in the Zurich and Brussels Diamond League. Does this mean we might catch a glimpse of her at some point? We will just have to wait and watch!