“Flo (Jo) Had a Different Gear”: Sha’Carri’ Richardson Fans Divided Over World Record Breaking Debate After Paris Olympics 2024 Ticket Win

Do you know the “Flo-Jo of our time”? It’s undoubtedly Sha’Carri Richardson. But wait! Sha’Carri Richardson is in “no rush” to break her idol’s 100m world record of 10.49 seconds. “My journey has just started,” Richardson remarked. But year after year, she is breaking records. It’s not just SCR’s athletic prowess that is catching eyes, but also her fashion sense that resembles the late legendary Flo-Jo’s. What exactly sets Flo-Jo apart?

“I like to be unconventional,” Flo-Jo used to assert before mesmerizing on the track and defying both physical and aesthetic norms. The best part is, that Flo-Jo was her own designer in high school. Her vibrant sense of power was evident in flamboyant leotards and ‘one-legger’ jumpsuits, complemented by long nails adorned with psychedelic patterns and layers of jewelry, with her hair flowing long.

Similarly, Sha’Carri Richardson is compared to Flo-Jo for her bold style. Since last year, Richardson has also opted for her natural hair, alongside her distinctive long eyelashes and nails, which have become her signature look. Richardson herself holds Flo-Jo in high regard, once she said, “If the amazing Flo-Jo could sport long nails, there was no excuse for me not to.”

The discussion ignited after Isaiah Jaay posted on Instagram, sharing a reel about the U.S. Olympic Trials 2024 races at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. In the women’s 100m race, Sha’Carri Richardson crossed the finish line in 10.71 seconds, marking the fastest women’s 100m time globally this year. The day before her qualifying race, Richardson briefly stumbled during the 100-meter dash after an explosive start. However, she swiftly recovered, ultimately securing first place with a time of 10.88 seconds.

The reels highlighted, “All I wanna say is you better be very afraid of her; she ran a 10.88 with a slip-up in the beginning, that’s impressive.” However, it wasn’t just this that stirred debate, but rather the caption, “If she ran a 10.88 with a slip-up, be very afraid of Sha’Carri Richardson lmfaoooo.” Well, considering her outstanding performance, what are her plans for Paris? This question came to everyone’s mind when the reel surfaced on Instagram.

Despite hurdles, Sha’Carri Richardson made it to Paris

After watching Sha’Carri Richardson’s outstanding performance at the Track and Field Trials, one fan commented, “She might be the one to beat Flo’s record.” However, Florence Griffith Joyner’s records in the 100m and 200m, were set in 1988. That means 26 years ago, it remained untouchable until now. Richardson’s personal best in the 100m stands at 10.65, achieved on August 21, 2023, at the age of just 23, compared to Flo Jo’s record set at the age of 29. Despite this age difference, Richardson’s achievement is commendable.

In a similar tone, another observer wrote in the previous comment about Flo Jo, “I’ve been saying that since she was 18, much respect.” Richardson has been making headlines since April 8, 2023, when she clocked 10.57 in the 100m at Miramar, albeit with a +4.1 wind reading. Adjusted for legal wind conditions, her time converts to 10.77. In the same race, Richardson boldly declared, “Paris 2024, history will be made.”

Another fan chimed in, saying, “THAT WAS THE DEVIL TRYING TO STOP HER BUT GOD SAID WE’RE GOING THIS YEAR, BABY GIRL!” Reviewing her season leading up to the trials, on May 25, 2024, at the Diamond League, Richardson clocked 10.83 seconds in the 100m, securing first place in her debut race of the season. Her season best in the 200m is 22.99 seconds, achieved at the Xiamen Diamond League on April 20, 2024.

Another fan added, “Hope she crushes it at the Olympics!! I believe in her.” This Olympics holds a special significance for Richardson as it marks her official debut. She is determined to make it flawless. However, it would have been her second Olympics if she had not been suspended during Tokyo 2020. In 2021, after winning the 100 meters at the trials, she tested positive for THC. Richardson explained that she had used marijuana to cope with the news of her biological mother’s death. Despite her explanation, she was suspended, which led to her missing Tokyo 2020.

But another shared a different perspective, “I expect her to come and show out at the Olympics, but I doubt she’s beating Flo’s record. Flo had a different gear.” This fan believes Richardson can excel at the Olympics and potentially set records, but does not foresee her surpassing Flo Jo’s legendary records. To date, only Elaine Thompson-Herah has come close with a time of 10.54, followed by Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce with 10.60.

One more fan added, “That’s exactly what I said! They should be terrified.” This statement reflects her incredible form and speed, suggesting she’s close to breaking records. And it’s not just fans who believe this. In 2021, Flo-Jo’s husband, Al Joyner, commented, “When I see Richardson… she reminds me of my late wife… she’s going to get close to the record because they’re seeing it is attainable.” Do you think Sha’Carri Richardson can create history at the Paris Olympics? Let us know in the comments.