17 Days Before Sha’Carri Richardson’s Return, Africa Witnesses Her Iconic Gesture in Their 20-Year-Old Athlete

Like the Olympics, the African Games are also held every four years. The continental multi-sport event, organized by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, AU, and AASC, gives rise to several sporting legends year after year. But a sprinter hailing from the West African country, Nigeria, has journeyed to the other end of the world to bring Sha’Carri Richardson to the frame.

Adekalu Nicholas Fakorede, the 20-year-old track and field sensation from Nigeria, delivered his spectacle while awaiting an entry to the 4x100m final relay team. But during the heats, what did he do that brought the world to the edge of its seat?

Track and field icon recreated the path-breaking move of Sha’Carri Richardson

Student journalist Ayodele Henry’s X post reads, “Fakorede Adekalu during the men’s 4x100m heats at the African Games, replicated @itsshacarri signature which she made during the World Champs in Budapest last year”. When Richardson clocked in at 10.65s to edge out her biggest Jamaican rival, the world sang her praises. But what her fans didn’t miss out on was her dramatic moves during her run, especially when she wiped the sweat off her forehead in a cinematic way. Adekalu, the 3 years younger athlete, exactly cloned the 100m reigning champ’s moves.

“I’m not back, I’m better”, announced Sha’Carri Richardson when she made her comeback at the 2023 Worlds. Like words, like action, her declaration ensued a blazing performance, just an inch away from track virtuoso Flo-Jo. While the Nigerian young gun follows Richardson’s steps, let’s take a look at the latter’s probable entry event in 2024.

Richardson is just 17 days away from her 2024 return

The 200m reigning champion Shericka Jackson smoothly outpaced Richardson in the 100m dash at the 2023 Prefontaine Classic. But the latter wouldn’t give away her chance to avenge her Prefontaine loss. So, to lock horns again, the arch-rivals are appearing at the 2024 Miramar Invitational on 6th April. Maybe, the 200m Worlds bronze medalist will repeat her winning move.

Having missed out on the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, the 23-year-old will look forward to bag medals in her first official Olympic arrival. “My passion will always come out for my love for what it is I put my blood, sweat, tears and sacrifice into”. Someone who believes that the end of the world will never be near until she wants to will give it a shot again.

READ MORE: Standing Behind Sha’Carri Richardson, 19 Year Old Jamaican Track & Field Athlete Reveals the Secret Sauce to Success