Sha’Carri Richardson’s stadium dedication fails as critics accuse her of looking ‘tall’ during interview

Olympic gold medalist Sha’Carri Richardson was immortalized in her hometown of Dallas, Texas. The track and field sprinter was honored at her alma mater.

On September 21, David W. Carter High School remembered Sha’Carri Richardson by officially naming the track after the 24-year-old star athlete.

Richardson made a surprise appearance at David W. Carter John Kincaide Stadium during Friday’s game against downtown rival Wilmer-Hutchins High School.

Local officials such as Dallas Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde and Texas State Senator Royce West were available for the naming ceremony.

“I’m proud to have come out of DISD,” Richardson stated during the ceremony, in accordance with WFAA channel 8. “I ran on this track. I can say that I began my profession on this track. So having it named after me is now an honor. “

She continued, “But it shows that I have a responsibility to Dallas. Where I come from continues to support me no matter how far I go. And I will never, ever let people forget where I come from.”

Richardson heaped praise on Carter High School, formally recognizing its athletic achievements. However, some YouTube users focused on the performance of the 2024 Summer Olympics.

One person wrote: “Sha’Carri looked tired and sleepy. He deserves good rest and nice holidays with friends and loved ones. Glad Carter School and Dallas ISD continue to honor her.”

The fan advised: “Take care of yourself, girl, get a good rest and come back stronger.” Another commenter asked: “Does she look tall?” while another person bluntly stated, “She has high asf.”

“I like how everyone in this video ignores the obvious,” added a fifth person.

Richardson has been open about her past marijuana use. She qualified for the postponed 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, but was deemed ineligible for the 100-meter dash in June 2021 after testing positive for carboxy-THC and THC.

The United States Anti-Doping Agency handed Richardson a one-month suspension for violating anti-doping rules. Even though the Tokyo Games don’t start until July 2021, the American runner missed the possibility to compete in Japan.

“The rules are clear, but on many levels it’s heartbreaking; “Let us hope that her acceptance of responsibility and apology will serve as an important example to all of us that we can successfully overcome our regrettable decisions, despite the costly consequences for her,” USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart said in a speech press release.

In response to the USADA ban, Richardson admitted that she smoked marijuana to deal with the sudden death of her biological mother, Shayaria Richardson. According to reports, the then-21-year-old learned of her mother’s death per week before her disqualified victory within the 100 meters on the 2021 United States Olympic Trials.

“Sorry. Even though I’m disappointed, I know that when I step on the track, I’m not representing myself. I represent a community that has shown me great support and great love, and I have let you all down,” Richardson said in a July 2021 interview with The Times. “Today” show.

The former Louisiana State University student added: “Don’t judge me because I’m human. I just run just a little faster.

Additionally, Richardson shared how “triggering” her mother’s death was, which sent her right into a “state of emotional panic.”

Richardson was raised by her grandmother Betty Harp and aunt Shay Richardson within the Dallas area. She was an eight-time state champion at David W. Carter High School.

At the 2023 World Championships in Athletics in Budapest, Hungary, Richardson won gold medals in the ladies’s 100-meter dash and the ladies’s 4 × 100-meter relay. She also won a bronze medal in the ladies’s 200 meters.

Richardson won her first Olympic gold medal on the 2024 Paris Olympics, helping Team USA secure first place within the 4×100-meter relay. The Texan native narrowly missed out on the 100-meter dash, taking silver behind Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred.