When Sha’Carri Richardson steps onto Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, in just a few days for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials, it’ll mark a significant full-circle moment for her. She’s aiming to make her Olympic debut in Paris and has already shown she’s a force to be reckoned with, reigning as the World Champion in the 100m. Beyond her impressive track record, Richardson is a powerful voice in the community, shining a light on the financial disparities athletes face.

At Paris 2024, she aims to end America’s Olympic gold drought in the 100-meter, a feat not achieved since 1996. As she gears up for this pivotal moment, numerous opportunities lie ahead. Yet perhaps the most meaningful victory for her could come in the form of a $1 million windfall before the LA 2028 Olympics, under certain conditions.

Could Sha’Carri Richardson become a millionaire before LA 2028?

The Paris Olympics could see the 2023 World Champion securing her first gold medal, but it’s not just about the podium for the “I’m not back, I’m better” star. Sha’Carri Richardson is already cashing in with nine sizzling brand deals ahead of the Olympic trials. Shortly after Paris, Sha’Carri Richardson could find herself in line for substantial prize money payouts leading up to the LA 2028 Olympics. Let’s take a closer look at the thrilling races that could pave the way for these earnings.

Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track League:

Prize: $400,000

Michael Johnson, the track and field legend, is shaking things up with his new track league, Grand Slam Track. This league, set to kick off in April 2025, is all about gathering the world’s best runners and giving them a chance to compete for big money.

We’re talking about a jaw-dropping prize fund of $12.6 million, split over four events each year. And here’s the kicker: the top prize for each event is a cool $100,000. If Sha’Carri Richardson participates and wins a significant event within this league, she could earn up to $400,000.

Alexis Ohanian’s 776 Invitational:

Prize: $60,000 (assuming first place)

Reddit co-founder and Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, is stepping into the world of track and field by launching the 776 Invitational, a women-only event set to take place in September. This invitational boasts the largest prize purse in track and field history for a single meet, offering $60,000 to the first-place winner.

For Sha’Carri Richardson, this is a golden opportunity. If she claims the top spot, she’ll pocket that substantial prize. The 776 Invitational is designed not just to reward the best athletes but to elevate the sport’s profile, drawing in more investment and participation. It’s the perfect stage for Richardson to showcase her incredible talent and earn significant financial rewards while doing so.

World Athletics Ultimate Championships in 2026:

Prize: $150,000 (assuming gold medal)

Two years after the Paris Olympics, the World Athletics Ultimate Championships are set to revolutionize the track and field scene when they debut in Budapest from September 11–13, 2026. With an unprecedented prize pot of $10 million, this event is designed to crown the ultimate champion by bringing together world champions, Olympic champions, and the top performers of the year.

Gold medalists will take home an impressive $150,000 each. For Sha’Carri Richardson, this championship is another golden opportunity. If she wins here, she not only solidifies her status as an elite athlete but also adds a significant amount to her earnings.

Olympic Gold Medal (Paris Olympics 2024):

Prize: $50,000

The Paris 2024 Olympics offer a unique financial incentive for track and field athletes, with World Athletics announcing prize money for medalists for the first time. Gold medalists in track and field will receive $50,000. Sha’Carri Richardson, aiming for gold in the women’s 100 and 200-meter events, could earn this amount by winning at the Olympics.

This prize money is part of World Athletics’ initiative to better compensate athletes and recognize their contributions to the sport, which Sha’Carri has fought to shed light on. So this year, winning an Olympic gold medal would not only be a monumental career achievement for Richardson but also add a significant amount to her earnings before LA28.

US Team Medal Payout (Paris Olympics 2024):

Prize: $37,500 (assuming gold medal)

In addition to the prize money from World Athletics, Team USA offers additional payouts for Olympic medalists. A gold medalist from the US team will receive $37,500. This sum is designed to reward athletes for their contributions to their national team’s success. If Sha’Carri secures a gold medal in Paris, she would earn this amount on top of the prize money from World Athletics.

Tokyo World Athletics Championship 2025:

Additional Prize: $23,000 (assuming participation and winning)

The World Athletics Championships, scheduled to be held in Tokyo in 2025, also offer substantial prize money for top performers. With an additional $1 million added to the prize fund, each individual event will receive an extra $23,000. For 2023 100-meter World Champion Richardson, participating and winning in the 100 and 200-meter events at this championship could mean securing this additional prize money.

Sha’Carri Richardson could also earn an additional $30,000 per event, along with a Diamond Trophy, by winning Diamond League finals in future years. Athletes earn $10,000 at each series meeting from May to September, accumulating points for qualification to the final, making 2024 a lucrative opportunity for her.

As we consider these blazing opportunities, what do you think? Could Sha’Carri Richardson reach millionaire status through track and field prize money alone by the time she steps onto the field for LA 2028? Share your thoughts in the comments below!