“Made Me Tear Up”: Sha’Carri Richardson’s Grandmother Having a ‘Manifestation’ Smile Has Track & Field Fans Emotional

Did you know Sha’Carri Richardson had trust issues in childhood, fearing her family might leave her? She used to ask her aunt, “Are you going to leave me.” This fear arose after her biological mother abandoned her in childhood. But she found rock-solid support in her aunt. It’s her aunt, who SCR fondly calls her second mother and she affectionately calls her grandmother Betty Harp “Big Momma.”

Richardson often credits her grandmother and aunt as the cornerstone of her identity, saying, “Without my grandmother, there would be no Sha’Carri Richardson.” Their bond is as strong as steel, and their love is as steady as a rock, which was pretty much visible on X.

On May 5th, Track Spice shared a post carrying Sha’Carri Richardson’s picture in a Nike black sports top on an advertisement poster. However, what melted the hearts was when SCR’s grandmother saw it and affectionately leaned against the poster, resting her head with a smile that clearly showed her pride. The caption read, “Grandmas are the best cheerleaders.” This proud moment brought back memories of a similar occasion three years ago.

When Sha’Carri Richardson was 21, on June 19, 2021, she clinched a victory with a winning time of 10.86 in the 2020 U.S. Olympic trials. This earned her a place in the Tokyo Olympics for the 100-meter individual race. At that tender age, she became the youngest woman ever to triumph in the event at the trials. Overwhelmed with emotion after her win, Richardson rushed to the stands where her grandmother was seated, cheering her on with all her heart.

Cameras were rolling as Richardson bolted towards her “Big Momma,” wrapping her in a bear hug, and kissing her forehead, with tears of joy streaming down SCR’s face. Even now, three years later, this moment is still in our memory. But this happiness was short-lived.

On July 1, the 24-year-old tested positive for marijuana, throwing a wrench into her plans for the Tokyo Olympics. Despite this setback, Richardson’s support from her family continues to inspire which helped her make it to the Paris Olympics, and this time with no ifs, and buts. However, when a poster of her grandmother went viral, fans expressed their love.

Sha’Carri Richardson’s Grandmother Brought Tears of Joy

Among the many comments, few stood out. One fan wrote, “If I were Sha’Carri, this picture would stay with me forever! I love this so much!” The fan sounded quite emotional about the picture.

Sha’Carri Richardson faced heartbreak when her biological mother, Shayaria, passed away in 2021. She was left in a state of shock. At that time, it was her grandmother who supported her. “I owe her my life,” Richardson expressed gratitude for her family’s support during times of distress, saying, “I’m highly grateful for them. Without them, there would be no me.” In a similar vein, another fan added, “Love this!! Sha’Carri speaks very highly of her grandmother.”

Another comment shared, “I can’t imagine the pride of seeing your family member so prominently displayed! A great picture for you, but a lifetime of excitement for your grandma! We’re all rooting for you!” This emotion was visible during Richardson’s participation alongside her grandmother and aunt in a Sprite “Obey Your Thirst” campaign. The sprinter shared with Essence in May how special it was for her to have them involved. “It was priceless for them to share this moment with me.”

One fan expressed, “Ain’t no love like a grandmomma’s love. Purely unconditional.” In a similar tone one more added, her sweet sweet face this made me tear up.” Well, it was not only her grandmother but SCR’s aunt as well who helped her throughout her life. Richardson credits her aunt with saving her life, providing the reassurance she needed to persevere through her darkest moments.

“I would always ask her, ‘Are you going to leave me too?’ She always reassured me that I would always have family, and she has never left me since then. I knew I needed that, and when she gave it to me, I knew my life was transformed,”  Richardson said. Finally, another fan wrote, “This brought a tear to my eye. I’m so glad she has her grandma.” This brought tears to our eyes as well.

Do you think Richardson will once again make her family proud in Paris? Share your thoughts below and let us know!