Sha’Carri Richardson, Who Recently Erupted the Crowd at USATF 2023, Reveals ‘Deep’ Meaning Behind Her Iconic Move

When it comes to speaking one’s mind, Sha’Carri Richardson has no problems. The 23-year-old track and field champion has made a name for herself in the sports world. This is a consequence of her unbelievable delivery on the track, yes. After all, she is the undisputed queen of the 100m dash. However, it can also be attributed to her witty quips during interviews, and certain controversies in the past, that Richardson has long since moved forward from.

During the USATF 2023, Sha’Carri Richardson made the crowd howl with love and support as she did something unexpected. On Friday, July 7, Richardson left everyone in the dust to win the 100m and qualify for the World Championships to be held next month. However, she removed her orange wig before getting in the starting blocks. The move made her fans burn with curiosity, so she explained why she did it.

Sha’Carri Richardson provides context for the unusual move

The track and field champion, who became the sixth fastest woman of all time in 2021, is known for wearing colorful wigs during her events. One particular bright orange wig is considered to be a signature accessory for Richardson. When she showed up for the USATF 2023 wearing the orange wig, it seemed like routine. However, the audience was in for a surprise.

Before starting a run that would break the 2023 record for women’s 100m race, Sha’Carri Richardson removed her wig and tossed it aside. Then she proceeded to run like the wind, clocking in a time of 10.82 seconds for the 100m race. What was the inspiration behind the move? In an interview with Tiara Williams of Real Talk with Tee, Richardson revealed why she did what she did. According to Richardson, “And I wanted to show you guys that I’m still that girl, but I’m better. I’m still that girl, but I’m stronger. I’m still that girl, but I’m wiser.”

Read more: “I’m Not Back…”: After Winning Her First-Ever US Nationals Title Sha’Carri Richardson Gives a Powerful Message

The iconic move clearly had deep meaning behind it, with Richardson letting the world know that she is going to transform herself to achieve greatness. She added, “So I had to shed the old and present the new.” Well, we are eagerly waiting for the ‘new’ Sha’Carri Richardson to take the world by storm at the upcoming World Championships, just like she wowed us with her unbelievable comeback at the USATF 2023.

The first national title that led to the first global event

USATF 2023, held in Eugene, Oregon, brought many good things and several firsts for Richardson. When she won the 100m at the USATF 2023, Sha’Carri Richardson grabbed her first national title. The title has also led to her qualifying for the World Championships in Budapest, which is going to be her first global event.  After she flew through the track during the 100m prelims, she managed to attain a personal best of 10.71.

She did get a wind-aided 10.57 at the Miramar Invitational, however, it is ineligible for records. Nonetheless, Sha’Carri Richardson has been consistently achieving sub-11 times throughout the 2023 season. She has come a long way from the athlete who got disqualified from the Tokyo Olympics. Richardson seems bent on metamorphosing herself completely. As she always says, “I’m not back, I’m better.”

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