If there’s one thing fans enjoy watching more than a good rivalry on the field, it is an endearing friendship off of one. Sha’carri Richardson and Mondo Duplantis share just that. The two persisting in their respective fields and from rival nations have on many occasions showcased that they have got each other’s back and forgoing everything else.

The two champions’ friendship sparked back in 2018 as they started their school together at the Louisiana State University. And treading paths in careers, the sporting community has gotten to witness their continued friendship through different stages; one being as recently as the World Athletics Championships past month.

Sha’Carri Richardson Cheers for Mondo Duplantis

The 100m Champion Sha’carri Richardson and the pole vault record holder, Mondo Duplantis recently had an encounter at the World Athletics Championship. Sha’Carri has competed to make her way toward being the first female American world 100m champion since 2017 and took a detour to cheer on for Mondo. The Swedish-American athlete who was performing to earn yet another one of his titles in the men’s Pole Vault, was captured being backed by Richardson on camera.

Mondo further claimed their staunch friendship when he was questioned if he would race Sha’Carri in a 100-meter sprint. Answering the question, Monso said, “That is a good one but we don’t have much beef,” he said. “We’re actually quite good friends. That could actually be really cool.”

Quenching the fans’ curiosity of the two’s friendship, Richardson in a post-performance interview with NBC said that Duplantis is one of her favorite people in life. She also added that she found Mondo to be on a whole different level when asked about her support. However, that wasn’t the only time Sha’Carri expressed her respect towards what the pole vaulter incorporates. Back in 2019, retweeting a post of the two posing shared by LSU track & field, Sha’Carri quoted, “Mondo the only Goat I see!!!” according to olympics.com

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While the friendship might come as a surprise for the new spectators, the ones knowing the two marking their beginning have witnessed the mutual respect and love shared. Starting their time together at the LSU wasn’t the only incidence the two shared. The two’s repeated patterns while embarking upon their journey have stood to back their bond.

Sha’Carri and Mondo’s NCAA Journey

The two World Champions enrolled at the Louisiana State University at about the same time; in 2018. Starting their first day together, Sha’Carri and Mondo were clicked holding a certificate reading, “First day of college.” Recently Mondo took to Twitter to share the picture and captioned “This pic hitting a bit dif now… @itskerrii been THAT girl!” and ever since the athletes have gone on to share their part in breaking NCAA records. 

Earning his NCAA prestige, Mondo became the NCAA pole vaulter indoor champion with 19’ 1.50”/5.83m and NCAA outdoor runner-up with 19’ 0.25”/5.80m. He further treaded to be named as the LSU outdoor and indoor record holder. While Sha’Carri set the collegiate record in the 100-meter dash at the NCAA Championships with 10.75.

Her finish was recorded as the ninth fastest in the world history. Achieving all this and more through the course of 4 years, the two graduated as the NCAA Champions. Richardson nearing the beginning of a new journey won The Bowerman trophy in 2019; while Mondo was qualified as a finalist for the same award.

Reminiscing back on their time together, Mondo said, “I think it’s a little bit of a surreal situation because time is weird.” He further talked about their dreams and ambitions and added, “We also both had huge dreams and we knew that we could be in the situation that we are today but everything happened in the way that it has and we actually are doing what we always [hoped], manifesting what we could do.” 

Starting from LSU, the two have come a long way; standing true to their dreams and to their friendship, Sha’Carri and Mondo have a lot to shine on the world. As they continue to walk their path, the two aim bigger and now with a little more support. Besides having each other’s back, the two have also got an army of staunch supporters.

Watch this story: After Her World Championship Win Sha’carri Richardson Showers Love on Her Fellow South African Track and Field Athlete