Sha’Carri Richardson has explained how she wants to use her influence and platform to help change one big worrying state about the sport of track and field.
American sprint star Sha’Carri Richardson has echoed Noah Lyles’ concerns about the lack of visibility in track and field, emphasizing the need to elevate the sport beyond its seasonal appeal.
Lyles has been one of the most vocal advocates for improving the sport’s stature, often sparking debate with his outspoken views.
His comments about NBA players calling themselves “world champions” in 2023 stirred controversy, but his broader point remained clear—track and field athletes, despite competing on a truly global stage, often struggle for recognition and support.
Fred Kerley and Noah Lyles have opened up about their rivarly, as well as the contrasting differences in their personalities.
“You watch a sport that is very publicized…then they put ‘world championship’ there and on their hats…it’s like, you have actual world champions and we are ready to do just as much work and show our journey…and we are just not paid attention to…so it hurts,” Lyles remarked in an interview last year.
Now, Richardson—who boasts a massive social media following of over four million on Instagram—has shared how she is using her platform to push for change, while also acknowledging the fine balance between speaking out and knowing when to step back.
“I use my voice only when it is for the greater good. Only when I feel compelled by something put on my heart, my spirit that is going to bring more peace and positivity than negativity and to inform, because a lot of people when it comes to track and field really do not understand,” Richardson told Essence.
One of the biggest challenges track and field faces is its quadrennial spotlight, where global attention peaks during the Olympics but fades in between. Richardson is determined to change that.
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Sha’Carri Richardson overcame the anger and struggles following her doping ban to reclaim her place as a world champion.
“I would love to continue using my voice or my essence in my platforms to vocalize what track and field is to the world and not just every four years when people tune in.”
The Paris Olympics proved once again that casual fans engage with the sport only during major global events. While key competitions like the World Championships and Diamond League take place yearly, maintaining mainstream interest remains a challenge—one that Richardson and Lyles are actively addressing.
Beyond her advocacy for track and field, Richardson also spoke about the importance of resilience and mental strength as an athlete.
“I would define strength as, win, lose or draw, never giving up. No matter what it looks like and whether you did it in the way that you wanted to (or not), never ever give up,” she said.
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Shericka Jackson remains optimistic after her second-place finish in Kingston, signaling her strong comeback and determination to reclaim her dominance in the sprinting world.
“I feel like that’s what strength is because as beings, we all have good days, bad days, beautiful days, and even ugly days, but at the end of the day, we have to continue knowing that strength comes in getting back up step by step.
“It may be just baby steps, but you are still stepping.”
With stars like Richardson and Lyles using their influence to bring more awareness to the sport, there is hope that track and field can break free from its Olympics-only appeal.
Whether through social media, bold statements, or engaging storytelling, these athletes are leading the charge to ensure their sport gets the attention it deserves—not just once every four years, but year-round.
