“Jamaicans don’t like when people talk s**t about us because we are a very proud people,” came from Usain Bolt, targeting Sha’Carri Richardson. At the 2021 Prefontaine Classic, the American sprinter faced the Jamaican athletes’ fury on the track for the first time. Naturally, the outcome of the race did not go as planned, as Sha’Carri had to face a forgettable defeat. But after the result, the then-21-year-old outspoken athlete couldn’t stop herself from venting her anger in front of the media. That rattled the Jamaican fans as a few parts of the comments were hurled at the opponents in green and black, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Shericka Jackson. Since then, the proud fans of the island nation have been raging against SCR. 

In 2024, it sees no break, especially after the portrayal in Sprint, the Netflix-released docuseries. Several fans questioned Sha’Carri Richardson’s nature, which had been featured as ‘manipulative’ in the series. What is it really like, though? Is she that hateful? 

Sha’Carri Richardson flaunted her other side after the famous contest 

Last year in Budapest, Sha’Carri Richardson took up the crown of world champion after defeating the Jamaican trio in the women’s 100m event. However, there were no signs of questionable rivalry between them. Rather, the 24-year-old took refuge in Shericka Jackson’s arms while eagerly waiting for the final result of the event. Later, she explained a bit of it, saying, “I’ve enjoyed creating a sisterhood that a lot of people felt that wasn’t possible,” indicating her tryst with Shericka. She added a few more words. 

In the 100m events, both Sha’Carri and Shericka have met several times and the results have not favored either sprinter. Just like that, their bond has, however, stood the test of time, professionally and personally. In that conversation staged last year, SCR further added, “We may have an ultimate respect for each other. But when we get on that line, we want to come out first, no matter what.” That keeps the bonding in check. Meanwhile, the reigning world champion’s sudden visit to Kingston Stadium in Jamaica this year was lauded by the local fans. So matters are not as fiery as the social media or entertainment world showcases. Meanwhile, Shericka Jackson prefers wisdom over rivalry with her American opponent. 

Shericka Jackson prefers wisdom over on-track rivalry 

After the Prefontaine Classic last year, Shericka Jackson has not countered Sha’Carri yet. The Paris Olympics could have been the best occasion to present that rivalry in the 100m. But Shericka’s bowing out because of her injury decimated the chance. Better yet, the Jamaican sprinter is not in the mood right now to go into many neck-to-neck contests with SCR. 

The reason is her age and chronic suffering from her injury. Her fitness has paid a bigger price in the last one year. This season as well, she couldn’t compete in the major championships before the Olympics. Additionally, she commented, “Maybe I run one or two races but I don’t think I’ll be competing a lot and I think it’s helping my body I’m getting old.” That could be a reason for the 29-year-old not to concede anything about her rivalry against Richardson. Yet, in the Sprint series, she showed up several times without brick batting the Dallas resident. So, yes, it could be the real picture behind all the negative portrayals in all these years.