Remember how Florence Griffith Joyner, or Flo-Jo, captivated with her flowing hair, pink outfits, and six-inch nails? Her motto, “Dress good to look good. Look good to feel good. And feel good to run fast!” inspired many, including Sha’Carri Richardson, who has crafted her own modern fashion statement. 

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Richardson followed Flo-Jo’s lead, winning gold in the 4x400m Relay. Despite a rocky start, she secured the gold and showcased her signature swagger. Paris was her moment to demonstrate her true self and what she can achieve. “I never play small; this is how I show up in life,” she reflects.

In 2019, Sha’Carri Richardson set a new 100m collegiate record at the NCAA Championship, making her one of the fastest women in track and field. Her career has had its ups and downs, including criticism of her bold style. Despite these challenges, she confronted them with determination and emerged stronger at the Paris Olympics.

In a candid interview with Blavity TV on YouTube, Richardson discussed her Summer Olympics experience. She emphasized that personal style should be embraced, saying, “Because at the end of the day, I’m going to do what I do, and you’re still going to watch, you’re still going to respect it, and you have no choice but to look.” Reflecting on her distinctive look at Paris, she pointed out that black athletes often face different critiques than their white counterparts.

Richardson’s bold personality and electrifying performances brought both admiration and criticism. She faced a tough time after withdrawing from Tokyo, a decision that came amid the personal loss of her mother. Critics didn’t hold back, with one commentator calling Sha’Carri Richardson’s look “ratchet.” Richardson admitted this criticism initially upset her, but she found a way to cope. She explained, “Showing what you like—your hair, makeup, nails, style, how you put it all together—I feel like even seeing other women in different sports, they’re like, ‘I don’t care what you say about my hair. I don’t care what you say about my outfit.'” This attitude reflects her determination to embrace her identity and push boundaries.

Known for her fierce competitiveness, Richardson is also celebrated for her commitment to authenticity. After receiving recognition from Jackie Joyner-Kersee in 2023, Richardson presented a simpler look on Instagram, opting for minimal makeup and straight black hair. She continued this trend at the Paris Olympics, keeping her style understated. “I feel like that’s the ultimate thing—you literally have no choice but to look. That’s what I grow from, what I thrive from, even in my own self,” she said.

Sha’Carri Richardson’s inspirational impact: Bold fashion choices and their influence on Black women

Sha’Carri Richardson, inspired by Florence Griffith Joyner (Flo-Jo), has captivated the track and field world with her bold fashion choices. Known for her bright orange wig, striking eyelashes, and signature nails, Richardson made a powerful statement at the U.S. Track and Field Championships in July 2023. She tossed aside her wig before her 100m race, declaring, “I want to show you guys that I am still that girl, but I am better. I am still that girl, but I am stronger. I am still that girl, but I am wiser. So I had to shed old and present new.” This symbolic shift led to a national championship win with a time of 10.82 seconds, earning her a spot for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Richardson’s fashion, including her dazzling nails and tattoos, echoes Flo-Jo’s flashy style. Vogue even called her today’s Flo-Jo. Eric Darnell Pritchard from the University of Arkansas noted, “We see it in Richardson’s statement ‘I am that girl’ but we also see it in her aesthetics. It is imperative for Black women to do and be supported in doing it because it is not space that is freely given to them in the world.”

Her influence extends beyond fashion. Félix Trinidad Hernández honored her with a tattoo, and Richardson herself said, “Anytime I see anybody, I always tell them, when they say they want to be like me, I want you to be better.” Embracing Flo-Jo’s legacy, Richardson proudly states, “If the amazing Flo-Jo had long nails, there was no excuse why I couldn’t have long nails.” As she looks toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, her blend of style and speed continues to inspire.