Sha’Carri Richardson isn’t one to back down when it comes to supporting her track and field family. Remember last year when she snagged the 2023 World Championship title in the 100m? During that same time, one of Team USA’s track stars hit a tough spot in the 100-meter hurdles. The Texas native was showing real promise and constantly shaving off those times. But despite her performance at the 2023 USATF Outdoor Championships, she landed in 4th place, just missing out on the national team by .002 seconds.

And what was interesting to note was that she’d been hustling without a sponsor her whole career. So, falling short was a gut punch for the then-26-year-old. But you know who stepped up? Sha’Carri. Fast forward a year later, and this hurdler’s back in the spotlight, bravely speaking out about the mistreatment in the track and field community.

2022 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships silver medalist claps back at haters

In a series of posts on X, Alaysha Johnson initially expressed frustration about being wait-listed for the Racers Grand Prix, Jamaica. Later, the hurdler even reposted from the World Athletics Hub listing participants for the men’s 110 mH event at the Racers Grand Prix, which prompted an account called Kadeen to write, “Feel like they trying to get locals to pull the crowd. She get an agent yet?”

Alaysha, in response, defensively asserted, “From black women to black women I really don’t understand the attacks?? Not only have I HAD an agent, he is on the board of agents AND host the Doha DL so let’s stop trying to play with this narrative.” Despite Kadeen’s attempts to clarify, Alaysha perceives further disrespect, venting frustration at being questioned about her situation. The interaction escalated, with Alaysha feeling increasingly attacked and disrespected, culminating in heated exchanges on X.

In one post, she even wrote, “I’m tired of being personally attacked over NOTHING!! I haven’t done anything to anyone. Stop using my situation as an excuse for blatant disrespect!!! @ the entire sport of track and field.” Alaysha’s journey has been far from easy, and this incident echoes a moment similar to 2023 when she encountered disrespect and challenges but found solace in Sha’Carri Richardson’s uplifting words.

How Alaysha Johnson garnered the support of Sha’Carri Richardson

Despite running without a sponsor, Alaysha Johnson hasn’t let that stop her hustle. Under her coach’s guidance in 2022 and 2023, she racked up wins and even snagged a silver medal at the USATF Outdoor Championships in 2022. But even with all her accomplishments, she’s faced setbacks, like when the Texas Relays roster didn’t list her as a pro athlete, leaving her baffled and frustrated. In a post on X, she vented, “I dedicated my entire life to a sport to be ostracized from it for what?”

After that setback, Alaysha doubled down on her training game. At the 2023 World Championships, she took on the 100-meter hurdles, finishing in 4th place with a time of 12.46 seconds. She was initially tied for third with Masai Russell, but by a hair, she came in .002 seconds behind. Despite the loss, her coach, Morgan Wells, flooded social media with snapshots of her grind, reminding everyone of her incredible journey.

The 100-meter world champion, Sha’Carri Richardson, also showed love on her Instagram, recognizing Alaysha’s courage to go against the grain. Sha’Carri wrote, “Had the courage to step against the normal.” Despite the setback in 2023, Alaysha Johnson is making waves in the 2024 season. At the Miramar Invitational in Miramar, FL, she competed in the 100-meter hurdles.

She ran 12.93 seconds in her heat, winning it, and improved to 12.80 seconds in the final, securing first place. Then, over at the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix, she kept that momentum going, finishing 2nd in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 12.57 seconds. Despite her setbacks, she continues to defy the naysayers with her resilience. As we contemplate these incidents, what are your reflections on Johnson’s altercation on her X platform? Share your insights in the comments below!