Fact Check: Did Nike and Sha’Carri Richardson Disrespect Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce?

In the thrilling world of track and field, there’s nothing quite like the showdown between seasoned veterans and rising prodigies. And boy, do we have a showdown for the ages between two sprinting powerhouses: Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and the USA’s Sha’Carri Richardson. Fraser-Pryce, with her incredible career spanning over fifteen years and two Olympic golds, has long commanded sprinting greatness. But then, along comes Richardson at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, snatching gold in the 100m and leaving Fraser-Pryce with bronze.

Since then, the pot has been simmering with comparisons heating the track and field scene. And just when things couldn’t get spicier, a recent ad featuring Richardson and their shared sponsor, Nike, kicked up a storm online. Fans are pointing out some eerie similarities between Richardson’s ad and a Fraser-Pryce ad from a year ago. So, as we delve into this unfolding drama let us see if Nike and Richardson stepped out of line, disrespecting the legendary Fraser-Pryce.

Sha’Carri Richardson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s similar ads

In a captivating ad for Whoop, a renowned tech brand celebrated for its innovative wearable devices tracking various health metrics, Sha’Carri Richardson commanded attention for their latest product. In the snippet, the 2023 World Champion donned a vibrant green Nike tracksuit, accentuated by a baby pink wig and long green nails, exuding confidence and charm with her undeniable presence on a race track. Against the backdrop of pulsating music, the camera zooms in on her Whoop watch, showing the integration of technology into her training routine.

As the video of her ad went viral, fans couldn’t help but draw parallels to a legendary ad from 2023 featuring Jamaica’s sprint sensation Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. In Fraser-Pryce’s iconic ad for Richard Mille, the Swiss luxury watchmaking brand, she too sported a striking green tracksuit, paired with a similar baby pink wig, exuding confidence and style. With both ads evoking a sense of style and athleticism, fans took to social media to express their thoughts on the uncanny resemblance between the two campaigns.

Dissecting the disrespect

A fan on the X platform remarked that upon searching for the videos, they noticed a clear distinction and speculated that Whoop deliberately engineered this similarity to spark controversy and gain exposure. The account also highlighted a desire for potential legal action by Richard Mille and speculated on Sha’Carri Richardson’s involvement, questioning whether she was set up by her team or was aware of the situation and chose to participate, both scenarios raising concerns.

Despite the uncanny similarities between their respective ads, it’s worth noting the mutual admiration shared between Sha’Carri Richardson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Richardson has openly expressed her admiration for Fraser-Pryce, describing her as an “amazing athlete” and acknowledging her influence on her own career. Given their mutual respect off the track and the absence of any statements regarding similar ads, it’s possible that the speculations surrounding the situation may be just that—speculations. What are your thoughts on the situation? Feel free to share in the comments below!

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