The year was 2021. It was post Covid, but that doesn’t mean the coast was clear. Most athletes faced tough times at the end of 2019 when the dreaded COVID-19 brought the world to its knees, as they were unable to perform and spent a year idly at home. Then came a time to return with the easing of COVID restrictions in 2021. It was the year when the Tokyo 2020 Olympics took place, which had been postponed because of the pandemic. It was a time for athletes to show their strength, but for many, 2021 rose above mere time, it brought losses, bouts of depression, and tests of resilience, such as for several black women who are defining the sports: Sha’Carri Richardson, Junelle Bromfield, and others firebrand individuals.

In 2021, Sha’Carri Richardson’s struggles seemed unending, as if she were battling against odds at every cul-de-sac. Her journey took a turbulent turn when she tested positive for THC, abruptly ending her Olympic dreams for Tokyo. Despite blazing through the 100m trials with a 10.86-second sprint, Richardson received devastating news just days before the U.S. Olympic Trials – the loss of her biological mother. Even though she was raised by her granny and aunt, this loss cut deep for her.

This emotional blow pushed her to use marijuana, a decision she later described as being “blinded by emotions, blinded by sadness, and hurting, and hiding hurt.” Consequently, Sha’Carri Richardson faced a month-long suspension. Yet, Richardson didn’t let these challenges define her. Instead, she turned adversity into opportunity, transforming setbacks into stepping stones and emerging from the experience stronger than ever. And even qualified for the Paris Olympics with flying colors, no less.

In the same year, 2021, Junelle Bromfield also faced personal challenges while she was preparing for the Tokyo Games. Amidst her rigorous training, she shared the heartbreaking news of her mother’s battle with an ultimate loss to cancer. Despite this emotional turmoil, Bromfield made a big contribution to Jamaica’s 4×400 meter relay team during the heats, ensuring their qualification for the finals. However, she did not participate in the finals herself. Later, on Facebook, Bromfield opened up about the emotional rollercoaster she endured while striving to secure her place on Jamaica’s Olympic team.

Her mother, Sandra Farquharson, was diagnosed with stage four cervical cancer in January 2021 and within just a month, she passed away. Determined to honor her mother’s memory, Bromfield threw herself into her training regimen, using her grief as a driving force. Look where she is now. All ready to chase her Olympic dreams in Paris with her nimble strides and her head held high. Yet another 24-year-old sprinter also made black women proud despite adversities and angst befalling her.

In 2024, McKenzie Long lost her mother, Tara Jones. She passed away from a heart attack at the age of just 45 in February this year. Despite this devastating setback, Long found strength and solace on the track. She spoke of how the starting blocks became a source of calm, feeling her mother’s spirit guiding her every stride. Long dedicated her victories to her mother, captioning her achievements with the words: “For you mom…”.

She made history, becoming the first sprinter from Ole Miss to clinch the 100-meter dash in 10.82 seconds and the 200-meter dash in 21.83 seconds at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. This feat, capturing three titles, fulfilled a dream of her late mother, Tara Jones. Now, the question remains: how did Junelle Bromfield and Sha’Carri Richardson weather the storm after losing their mothers?

How Sha’Carri Richardson and Junelle Bromfield don’t let adversity get to their heads

Sha’Carri Richardson returned to the track with a fiery vengeance, power, energy, and determination. In a historic moment for her in 2023 at the World Championships in Budapest, Richardson made her mark, which can never be forgotten. She swept the World Championships in Budapest, grabbing two gold medals and a bronze in her debut. Richardson blazed to gold in the 100m with a lightning-fast 10.65 seconds, leaving Jamaican sprinters Shericka Jackson and Shelly-Ann Pryce trailing behind.

She also secured bronze in the 200m with a time of 21.92 and anchored the relay team to victory in 41.03 seconds, adding another gold to her tally. She brashly proclaimed: “I’m not back, I’m better.” Yes, she is not better, but the best and we take her word for it. Now, in the current year, she’s set to dominate the 100m event with a season-best of 10.71 seconds, making her the clear favorite to triumph once again.

Bromfield has excelled primarily in relay races, bringing home medals from prestigious events like the 2022 World Championships, 2022 World Indoor Championships, Commonwealth Games, and NACAC Championships. Most recently, she secured her spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics after shining at the Jamaican Olympic trials. She hit her personal best stride with a blazing 50.74 seconds in the semifinals and clinched third place in the final with 51.24 seconds, solidifying her place on the Olympic roster.

Despite weathering personal setbacks, such as the heartbreaking loss of their mothers, athletes such as Sha’Carri Richardson and others are redefining the sport. They are determined to turn these trials into triumphs, forging ahead on the path to global greatness against all odds.