At Paris 2024 Sha’Carri Richardson had a lot to prove. After missing out on Tokyo 2020 due to the banned substance-related suspension, the track and field icon started her comeback with the 100m world championships title in 2023. However, instead of her often dazzling style, the sprinter chose a much more understated look for her Olympic debut on the road to redemption.

During her interview with Blavity TV, the champion answered the process behind selecting her look. “I want to say that that process came from my team,” revealed the sprinter, saying it wasn’t solely her decision. Richardson who typically represents her fiery competitive spirit through her style only appeared on track with intricate nail art.

The look symbolized the ‘I’m not back, I’m better’ mentality, which Richardson admitted was her “biggest mantra” going into Paris 2024. “I will honestly say they just understand who I am as an individual… I trust their creativity to express who I am,” Sha’Carri Richardson said in the interview. However, the 24-year-old hid several references to her journey in her nail art.

The 4x100m relay gold medalist’s hair and makeup may have looked plain compared to her previous international appearances. However, Richardson’s nail art was as meaningful as it was beautiful on the day of the relay. The base coat of her fingernails contained all the major colors related to the Olympics. Richardson’s nails sported the white, red, and navy blue of the French flag.

The gold symbolized the color of the gold medal, and the “Old Glory Blue” on her thumbnails represented Team USA’s colors. The thumbnails also contained Sha’Carri Richardson’s mantra, written in white. “I’m not back” on one thumbnail and “I’m better” on the other. The artists also added rings reminiscent of the Olympic rings.

She also sported the red, white, and blue base coat on her nails during the 100m finals. Although the art was different, the two-time Olympic medalist team used more accessories to represent similar motifs. While Richardson fans may not be accustomed to the understated yet iconic approach, it seems the sprinter has embraced it.

The Paris Olympics was a humbling experience for Sha’Carri Richardson

While not as outspoken as Noah Lyles, the track and field world is no stranger to Richardson’s confidence. However, the Paris 2024 gold and silver medalists have continued to take a measured approach. While the Olympic debutant fell short of winning gold in the 100m against Julien Alfred, she doesn’t regret it.

“I would say honestly Paris 2024 Olympics has been an honor,” the three-time world championship medalist told Zayna Allen. “It has been humbling, it has been fun,” added the champion sprinter. Team USA’s track and field star is also excited for the upcoming Olympics. “I literally cannot wait for LA,” said the champion even though the LA Olympics is over three years away.

The two-time Olympic medalist has a blast in her debut and hopes to experience the thrill once again at LA2028. While a lot can happen between two Summer Games, fans may rest assured that Sha’Carri Richardson will once again showcase her unique style in the next edition of the Olympics.