Sha’Carri Richardson is beautiful, no doubt! Her fashion, bold style, nails, and speed have even earned her the nickname “the next Flo Jo.” But here’s the deal: if you want to be a legend, you’ve got to handle the shade, just like Flo Jo did. Even though she’s no longer with us, her records are still standing strong. Sha’Carri faced her share of hate. Remember when she was called “ugly” and told she “looked like a man“? But years have passed, and she’s reached a point where she’s fully owning her femininity and not letting anyone’s comments get to her.

Track and field is honestly as exciting as it is tough, especially for women. There was a time when it was pretty much all about the guys, but things have definitely changed. Now, you’ve got stars like Sha’Carri Richardson, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Shericka Jackson absolutely dominating the scene. Even with all this success, though, women in the sport still face some pretty serious challenges. It’s not just about pay or media coverage—it’s body shaming. Take British pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw, for example.

Holly Bradshaw is an Olympic bronze medalist, yet she has been trolled for her body, telling her she looks “unathletic” and has been called “fat” on social media. Then there’s Eilish McColgan; she endured a torrid 2019, mostly unsponsored, but when ASICS decided to take her on board, suddenly people started commenting on her body, such as, “Damn, that’s skinny,” or, “A bit too much.” It’s brutal.

And Sha’Carri Richardson? She has had her fair share of bashing, not only for her performance but also for her appearance and fashion choices. As she said in her interview with Essence, it is common for track and field to put up the image of how women should look. But here’s the thing: Sha’Carri is not a woman to be discouraged by such comments. She’s out here embracing her feminine side, expressing her fashion, and telling everyone who is watching her that nobody can ever control her choices again.

Recently, in an interview with Olympics.com, she shared how being surrounded by people who support her has helped her realize her own worth. “There was a time I felt stuck, and now I feel like I love the softness and femininity that I’m able to walk in,” she said. “I have people that I know that if I fall backward, they’re right there.” Sha’Carri’s journey is all about self-love, confidence, and surrounding herself with those who lift her up.

Sha’Carri Richardson also shared, “I know I have a community right here that understands, that cherishes me, as well as will correct me and let me know when I’m wrong. My relationships have definitely helped me be gentle with myself.” This softness and confidence in Sha’Carri is clearly shining through, and she attributes much of it to her “person,” the special someone who has been by her side.

Who’s the mystery man behind Sha’Carri Richardson’s new glow?

Sha’Carri Richardson has been sharing so much more about herself lately and how she loves the feminine side and being delicate. She enjoys staying at home and loves cooking, dancing, manicures, or simply bright and joyful colors all around. For Sha’Carri, she only feels better when there is no one pushing her to be anything other than her family and friends. A more laid-back attitude has become increasingly apparent in her personality since 2023 when the rumors linked her to Christian Coleman.

When ESSENCE Producer Shari Nycole asked who helps keep her grounded; Sha’Carri didn’t hold back, saying, “I appreciate my relationship, my person that continues on a day-to-day basis, helps me just see who I am, critiques me, and lets me know my rights and my wrongs.” Of course, to have someone like Coleman supporting her means a lot, and it looks like Sha’Carri Richardson is starting to embrace this new aspect of herself. They’ve been rumored to be dating since 2023, although they never confirmed it until they hugged at the USATF Night of Legends Awards.

So, could Coleman influence this softer side? It sure seems like his support, along with her close-knit training team, is helping her embrace and express this more feminine, grounded version of herself.