“Unlike most, I have plenty of games left in me to compete in, and I have plenty of talent that backs me up,” Sha’Carri Richardson boldly asserted in 2021. Her Olympic debut, delayed by a positive THC test and the weight of losing her biological mother, could have dampened her spirits. But true to her word, she returned and is about to make her Olympic debut with determination and a powerful motto: “I’m not back, I’m better.” With that maxim resounding loud and clear, Richardson was recently seen adorned on the velvety cover of Vogue, thereby leaving her indelible mark beyond the track frontiers. And what’s more, her family comes in clutch too.

Throughout her journey, Sha’Carri Richardson has leaned on her tight-knit family, especially her grandmother Betty Harp, lovingly known as “Big Momma,” and her aunt, who’s like a second mom to her. One could witness the love when she hugged them tight, tears of joy streaming down her face after clinching her ticket to Paris 2024. Now, she’s given her family a sweet shout out, making sure they get credit too for her stunning Vogue cover that’s warming hearts.

Sha’Carri Richardson is a designer’s dream

On July 9, 2024, Sha’Carri Richardson lit up Instagram with a heartwarming 6-slide carousel post, celebrating her Vogue cover ahead of the Paris Olympics. The first image captured Sha’Carri in her Nike gear for Paris, surrounded by her family—her sister Tahjna Calhoun, cousins Calvin Harp and Natalie Byers, aunt Brenda Davis, and cousins Aniyah Davis, Kyle Harp, and Bella Harp. The next slide was a fun BTS video of them grooving to music and sharing laughs and giggles.

In her caption, the Paris Olympian wrote, “To know me is to know that family is everything! I am so grateful to get to share moments like this with my family. So from my family to my new Vogue family, this was special for all of us. It captures my love ones, my love for life, and my love for sport and fashion.” She wrapped up with a big thanks to her fans for their love on her first digital cover.

Following this was a video in which Sha’Carri shared how the track was her runway, followed by striking images captured by photographer Luis Alberto Rodriguez for Vogue’s cover. She looked fierce in a Ralph Lauren bodysuit and skirt combo, topped off with flashy gold Nike kicks. Reflecting on this heartwarming post and Sha’Carri’s deep bond with her family, the track and field community couldn’t help but shower praise.

The internet bestows Richardson with her due of well-deserved flowers

Below Sha’Carri Richardson’s post, countless fans showered her with praise for her comeback and as she prepares for her debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Amidst the excitement, fans couldn’t help but marvel at the stunning family of the women’s 100-meter world champion. One fan commented, “Thought this was a TV show for a second 😍🔥👏,” as the family appeared ready to star in their own reality series. Very Big Brother like, we must say?! Another fan wrote, “Your family is so special ❤️. So proud of you Sha’Carri!!!🙏🏽,” celebrating her growth from adversity. Melding her family’s lure and influence on the business side of things was something that garnered her this very praise. As Dom Toretto from the Fast and Furious franchise routinely quips -“Family”. Yes, indeed. Family above all else.

Another supporter shared, “Congratulations you deserve it all🥹🤎🤎🤎🤎What a beautiful family🥹so authentic the baby girls looking like little girls I love love love these photos🥲❤️❤️❤️❤️,” admiring cousins Aniyah Davis and Bella Harp, who exude the essence of their family’s track and field legacy. Praising the rich cultural heritage of the family, one fan commented, “The amount of melanin in these slides is everything 😩.”

Reflecting on Sha’Carri Richardson’s resilience, another fan wrote, “They threw dirt on yo name & flowers grew 😍😍😍I love it,” highlighting her journey to reclaim her Olympic dream. Lastly, a fan playfully commented on the family’s video, “They singing ‘They Not Like Us..They Not Like Us 😂🔥,'” referencing Kendrick Lamar’s hit song. Pondering on the fan love and Sha’Carri Richardson’s quest for Olympic gold in the 100-meters at the Paris Olympics, what do you think about this heartwarming family moment? Share your thoughts in the comments below!