“[ Sha’Carri Richardson ] And Caitlin Bring In Traffic”: Angry Americans Take Sides After Jamaicans Shame Over Poster Controversy

Sha’Carri Richardson is going all out to produce a magical Olympic season for Paris 2024, but it seems that she’s embroiled in controversy beforehand. The uproar began when World Athletics, in a post on X, issued a reminder of the impending Paris showdown with the caption, “Who will be the star of this year’s Olympic Games?” The post featured an image backdrop of the Eiffel Tower with bold text proclaiming “100 days to go,” while it also included pictures of track and field athletes such as Neeraj Chopra of India, Ryan Crouser of the USA, Elaine Thompson Herah of Jamaica, and high-jump specialist Mondo Duplantis and more.

Notably, Noah Lyles was prominently featured in the post, yet Sha’Carri Richardson was placed at the center of the poster. However, this arrangement stirred discontent among Jamaican fans, as one Jamaican fan even expressed, ‘Why is Sha’Carri in the middle, someone who only has one world title and has never been to the Olympics, and Elaine on the side?’ Given that, it now seems that Americans are roaring back to support their Sha’Carri Richardson.

Sha’Carri Richardson’s “Name Holds WEIGHT” in track and field

Recently, a post on X by the user ShanGlo, who appears to be a track enthusiast favored SCR. As she remarked, “Sha’Carri’s impact in the little time she’s been in this sport has got to be studied, bruh! ❗️ Unbelievable… Let’s be honest.. whether good or bad.. medal tally or whatever… this girl’s name holds WEIGHT in track & field today. TBH it’s just the truth whether we like it or not right now!” Well, this sentiment holds true to some extent, considering her impressive performances throughout 2023’s 100m season, particularly when she defeated all Jamaican athletes.

Last year, Sha’Carri Richardson secured the title of women’s 100m world champion with an impressive performance at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Setting a Championship record of 10.65 seconds in the final on August 21st, Richardson shaved off 0.02 seconds from the previous record held by Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaican athlete). Initially trailing behind Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson (Jamaican), Richardson swiftly closed the gap and surged ahead to cross the finish line first, beating Jackson, who finished in 10.72 seconds. Fraser-Pryce secured a third place with a season-best time of 10.77 seconds.

Taking a look at Sha’Carri Richardson’s journey this year, the world 200m bronze medalist has had a relatively quiet start. Having participated in just one minor race in 2024 as part of the “Team USA Blue” squad at the Florida Relays in March, she is now set to compete in consecutive 200m races at the Diamond League events in China on April 27th. However, there wasn’t just one fan who supported and favored SCR; many more prevailed and clamored for her in solidarity.

Richardson’s fanbase roars on X

Among the chorus of Richardson’s supporters, their voices resound with admiration and encouragement. One fervent fan, passionately expresses, “Her 🫱🏾‍🫲🏻 Caitlin Clark brining in traffic to their respective sports.” In the comment “Her” refers to SCR while Caitlin is a basketball player who led Iowa to victory over LSU on 20th April, a match that garnered a staggering 12.3 million views on ESPN.

Echoing this sentiment, another enthusiast emphatically declares, “Say it LOUDER!!!!”, showing exuberant support for Richardson’s contributions to the world of athletics.

Another supporter asserts, “Cause influence is the true power that the US holds,” recognizing the significance of Richardson’s impact not just within the realm of sports but also on a broader societal scale.

Another supporter adds, “Sha’Carri has my heart, not just the track and field’s. Truly sensational.” shows admiration for her.

Additionally, one last enthusiast insists, “Sha’Carri has to be in the forefront. 👸👑”, emphasizing the importance of Richardson’s prominent role in shaping the track and field.

As Richardson gears up for the challenges that lie ahead, her legion of supporters stands firmly behind her, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in her remarkable journey.