“I believe in the impossible because no one else does” –reverberates the thought of the late Flo-Jo. These words spoken into existence still ring true to her pure champion spirit. Florence Griffith Joyner, affectionately known as “Flojo,” left an indelible mark on the world of track and field with her record-breaking speed and zany style. She made a splash at the Seoul Olympics, breaking the 100m and 200m world records with times of 10.49s and 21.34s. Her bold fashion choices and athletic prowess continue to inspire new generations of athletes and we have a modern-day Flo-Jo on our hands now. Now, she has a successor in both fashion and talent, ladies and gentlemen: Sha’Carri Richardson. 

The world champion, who made a mark in Budapest by winning the 100m and 4x100m dashes, is looking to make a serious comeback after her Tokyo snub. Richardson was suspended for a month due to a failed drug test, losing the chance to compete in Tokyo. However, this year she seems to be laser focused on the behemoth games, despite Jacious Sears getting the better of her. Coming along with her to Paris is her vibrant personality and style, both of which draw inspiration from the historic fashionista and track legend. Drawing from Flo-Jo’s inimitable grace and elan is exactly what she did recently, whilst highlighting her plans. Is Flo-Jo her personal and professional conduit?

Sha’Carri Richardson channels her inner Flo-Jo as Paris calls for it

In the latest article of Harpers Bazaar, Sha’Carri Richardson teamed up with Olay for an interview. In the Olay advertisement, Richardson appeared with her natural hair on display, which was chopped short. However, she was sporting her iconic long nails in a beautiful blue and pink gradient pattern. Six-inch long nails were also a feature of Olympic medalist Flo-Jo’s. When asked about whether she draws inspiration from the late Florence “Flo-Jo” Griffith Joyner, Richardson enthusiastically agreed, “She is the greatest to ever do it”.

Sha’Carri Richardson further elaborated on how the late sprinter who still holds the world record for the women’s 100m sprint is the benchmark for her to follow suit: “I am on my path and my journey as a competitor and being a woman in expression. Flo-Jo is part of the inspiration in the direction that I pull from, and I aspire to go in.” Clearly, Flo-Jo is somewhat Richardson’s fashion fairy godmother, allusion wise. When Sha’Carri Richardson was further asked about what looks she had planned to stun the world in the Olympics with, Richardson said she wasn’t getting ahead of herself. She reminded the world that first and most importantly, she needed to get through the trials. So that’s her current focus.

Additionally, Richardson divulged that her style is spontaneous and comes from the heart, “I don’t plan out my looks. I’m definitely more of an emotional spontaneous reactor, if that makes sense. If I see it in the moment, if I feel it in the moment, I go with it.” This was evident when after the 2023 Track and Field Championships in Oregon she ripped off her signature orange wig and tossed it onto the ground. It was a promise she made to her coach, “I told him that if I go 10.06, I’ll wear my natural hair.” Her approach on the track mirrors Flo-Jo’s individualistic style, evident in her scoring a 10.65. She proudly sports her natural hair, further embodying that spirit.

Sha’Carri Richardson and Flo-Jo are kindred, zany spirits

Sha’Carri Richardson has received backlash and brickbats for her fashion choices, ranging from her innumerable tattoos and body art to her wacky sense of style. However, she always has Flo-Jo to fall back on for inspiration to overcome the hate. “The way she [ Florence Griffith Joyner] did that was graceful. I always liked that. If the amazing Flo-Jo had long nails, there was no excuse why I couldn’t have long nails.” She further added, “Y’all love talking about my hair & my nails like the greatest woman to ever enter the game didn’t run in style.”

Richardson has cited Wilma Rudolph and Joyner as inspirations. Sha’Carri Richardson and Florence Griffith Joyner both have several similarities in their styles. Especially the flowing wigs that are a statement of the black community. Richardson has sported the whole rainbow spectrum; red, blue, platinum blond, wavy, sleek, curly. Just as Florence’s long, beautiful hair was a testament to black women’s freedom to express themselves, this is a hard-won sense of freedom. Their vibrant style, long eyelashes, and nails inspired a generation of athletes to embrace personal style and individuality.

Flo-Jo was famous for her on-track costumes ranging from animal prints, lacy leggings, and shiny metallic fabrics. Her one-legged bodysuit and choice of jewelry also was the cynosure of all eyes. Richardson was the sartorial muse for the Nike X Jacquemus collaboration. She was even quoted saying that- “Fashion is so personal and I definitely use it to express myself — it can show how you feel, your mood, your creativity. From the colours you wear to the risks you take, fashion can be an outlet to show the world a little bit of who you are.”

With all that said and done, there will be equal impetus on Richardson’s performance in the behemoth games as well. Will she pull a post-resurgence, in form defiant act of god in the Olympics? Time will tell.