“Don’t Like Americans”: Sha’Carri Richardson Faces Heat From Jamaican Fans Amidst US Olympic Trials 2024

Jun 22, 2024 | 2:01 PM EDT

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The maw of the Jamaican-US rivalry is wide open and Paris will be the ultimate test to see whether athletes from either country will let their tensions die down or bicker on the stomping grounds with their talent doing the talking. The ongoing saga between Jamaican and American track and field athletes has once again become the cynosure of all eyes. While some claim that “Sha’Carri Richardson is completely forgiven by Jamaicans,” the reality may be more complex than it seems. This all came after SCR’s yet another win. On June 21st at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – track & field, where Richardson made a striking comeback. Despite a nervous start, she clocked an impressive 10.88 to win her heat in the women’s 100m event at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

The sentiment towards Richardson seems to be shifting, with fans like “Lillz” expressing hope for forgiveness from Jamaicans. On X, Lillz shared a post saying, “This is the year Sha’Carri Richardson is completely forgiven by Jamaicans… this is my main prayer point please because it feels so much nicer enjoying the form she’s in when the slate is clean okay!!!” Yet, the question remains: Will Jamaicans truly extend their forgiveness? But what exactly did Richardson do to incur such strong animosity from them in the first place?

This is the year Sha’Carri Richardson is completely forgiven by Jamaicans… this is my main prayer point please because it feels so much nicer enjoying the form she’s in when the slate is clean okay!!! 😩😂
— Lillz (@LillzTIL) June 22, 2024

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Sha’Carri Richardson garnered media attention in 2021 after her disqualification from the Tokyo Olympics due to a failed drug test. But after that, she stated confidence leading up to the Prefontaine Classic. Her luck seemed to elude her as she finished the race in ninth place, the worst showing from her group. Elaine Thompson-Herah emerged victorious, setting a new National Record of 10.54 seconds, with the Jamaican team sweeping the podium. During a post-race interview, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s smirk to the camera stirred speculation among fans, perceived by some as directed at Richardson following her disappointing loss.

Following her disappointing performance, Sha’Carri Richardson sought revenge by “liking” a fan’s tweet on Twitter that compared Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s appearance to Lil Wayne’s, sparking controversy. “Shorty in the back look like Lil Wayne,” wrote the fan, which appears to have elicited a reaction in Sha’Carri. This action, coupled with Richardson’s decision to engage with another disrespectful tweet targeting Jamaicans, led to widespread criticism, with many accusing her of being a sore loser and displaying poor sportsmanship. Another fan wrote, “Not y’all Jamaicans still talking sh*t when y’all gotta walk barefoot to your coconut stand everyday for a living,” a tweet which SCR also liked.

Following her defeat in the race, Sha’Carri Richardson defiantly claimed, “This is one race. I’m not done. You know what I’m capable of. Count me out if you want to. Talk all the s— you want. Because I’m here to stay. I’m not done.” However, Usain Bolt also weighed in, advising Richardson to cease trash-talking and redirect her focus towards training.

“Richardson should maintain a low profile after receiving a one-month ban for testing positive for cannabis, resulting in her exclusion from the U.S. Olympic team,” stated Bolt. “Her trash talk only fuels the determination of her Jamaican competitors to defeat her,” he emphasized. Advising Richardson to “train harder and stay focused,” Bolt cautioned against “excessive talk without backing it up with performance.” Despite calls for forgiveness from some fans on X recently, others remain unforgiving towards Richardson.

Fans unleash fury on Sha’Carri Richardson! Why forgiveness seems impossible

Among the various responses from fans, some express a strong reluctance to forgive Sha’Carri Richardson. One fan questioned the idea of forgiveness, stating, “Who are you out here giving out forgiveness? We don’t like Americans when it comes to track.” This sentiment reflects a deep-seated national pride and skepticism toward American athletes in track events.

Others, while remaining unforgiving, acknowledge Richardson’s personal growth and admire her talents. Another fan remarked, “I will never forgive her for that statement against our queen. I however like her growth and love when she does her talking with her running. She is also pretty and is a fashion diva. I like her.” This fan’s perspective demonstrates a nuanced view, recognizing Richardson’s past actions when she criticized Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce while appreciating her positive qualities.

Amidst the discussion, there are fans who vehemently reject the idea of extending forgiveness to Richardson. One fan’s straightforward retort, “Sweetie – no! Respectfully – NOT A B#^!¥CLAAT,” indicates a firm stance against reconciliation. This response reflects a refusal to forgive Richardson and a dismissal of any suggestion otherwise.

Additionally, some fans criticize Richardson’s perceived attitude towards Jamaica and its people. One fan urged, “Please stop making Jamaicans think Sha’Carri need them for friendship. She do not care about that 3rd world country and their dusty muddy people. And you yourself don’t even know what Sha’Carri ever did to be forgiven by Jamaicans. Lmao 😂.” This critique highlights tensions surrounding Richardson’s interactions and perceptions among Jamaican fans.

Even though Richardson has matured significantly over the years. Earlier this year, Richardson ended this rivalry at the Miramar Invitational Meeting in Florida when Jamaican athlete Shashalee Forbes encountered an injury during the 100m final. Richardson, along with her training partner Twanisha Terry, swiftly came to Forbes’ aid. This gesture of support highlights Richardson’s evolved perspective and camaraderie beyond the boundaries of rivalry.