Sha’Carri Richardson‘s Diamond League Final was meant to be her redemption. After the Gold slipped through Sha’Carri’s fingers at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the 2024 League was her chance to claim the gold. After the killer season she has had, the expectations for the 100m race in chilly Brussels were very high. And why wouldn’t it be? Considering Sha’Carri Richardson’s journey which has been a rollercoaster ride, it is only fair to assume big things.

From breaking U20 world records in 2019 to her unexpected suspension in 2021, Sha’Carri’s journey has been far from smooth. Her trajectory of bouncing back from setbacks is legendary in itself! Remember the time she came back in 2023 after her Tokyo setback, only to clock 10.57 at the Miramar Invitational? And adding the cherry on top, she went on to win the world championship in the 100m the same year. The series of wins set the tone and signaled that she was bound to bag that Gold in Brussels!

But to everyone’s surprise, Sha’carri Richardson did not even make it to the podium! Sha’Carri struggled to finish eighth clocking 11.23 seconds. She finished way behind Olympic gold medallist Julien Alfred who finished clocking 10.88 seconds. This was a head-scratch moment for the world, to watch the reigning 100m world champion not medal at all. But that’s not all. Sha’Carri’s name has also vanished from the 200m start list.

Sha’Carri Richardson’s absence from the Diamond League is leaving some pretty big shoes to fill. Stepping into Sha’Carri’s shoes is Dutch sprinter Tasa Jiya. At just 26, Jiya has a personal and season-best 200m time of 22.62 which is 1.01 seconds slower than Sha’Carri’s 21.61. Brussels. Will she rise to the occasion and fill the void left by Richardson? Despite Sha’Carri Richardson’s unfortunate departure, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown. However, the frustrated fandom is taking their complaints to X.

Fans Aren’t Holding Back!

As soon as the results rolled in, so did the social media frustrations. One fan went on to say, “Let Sydney McLaughlin Levrone take her place! I am a big Sha’Carri fan but this dropout is lame and disappointing.” Another bluntly went on to say, “She honestly should’ve wrapped her season up after the Olympics. She doesn’t need the money nor attention.” Another tired fan finding the humor amidst it all remarked, “I don’t get her lol.”  “She needs to get mentally stronger,” said another concerned fan.

“Bad look for Carri smh,” said another fan without mincing words. Others echoing similar emotions said, “She weak,” and another fan backing up said “Not at all surprise! No championship mindset…never had it. Very talented but She’s been overhyped and can’t live up to all the pressure.” The voices saying Sha’Carri’s head wasn’t in the game are many. “She wasn’t in it to begin with,” remarked another fan.

Some even ask “Who is managing her?” While others wondered what the future holds for her. With one fan questioning, “At this rate, do we truly expect to see her in another Olympics?” The reactions were swift, fierce, and full of disappointment. One fan even went on to say, “Stop tryna make excuses for carri.” Some questioned if Sha’Carri might be injured, while others wondered if she should wrap up the season. It is clear that fans are no longer holding back. They’re fed up with expecting great things from Sha’Carri Richardson. They’re tired of being let down at the eleventh hour.