When you think of Sha’Carri Richardson, chances are, you might also think about the only person in the world she credits with “making me the person I am.” Sha’Carri Richardson’s electrifying speed on the track is only matched by the depth of her heart off it. her deep-rooted bond with her grandmother, Betty Harp, affectionately called “Big Momma,” that anchors her soul. Raised in Dallas by this pillar of strength, Richardson’s journey from a young dreamer to an Olympic sprinting star is intertwined with Big Momma’s unwavering love. But how did this bond become her foundation?

Betty Harp’s influence on Sha’Carri runs deeper than words can capture. “Everything I am, it’s because of that strong, wise Black woman,” She says, her voice steady with conviction. “Everything. I mean, I’ve been blessed, because I’ve had other people in my life who have helped me along. But the foundation, that’s her.” Big Momma’s wisdom, forged through her own trials, taught Sha’Carri to stand tall, to run fearlessly, even when the world doubted her. From late-night talks to prayers before races, their connection is a tapestry of trust and sacrifice. Harp didn’t just raise a champion; she nurtured a spirit that refuses to break. What does it mean to have such a guiding light?

In a recent heartfelt Instagram post, Sha’Carri poured out her gratitude: “Thank you for protecting me. Thank you for teaching me. Thank you for loving me.” Each word carries the weight of a lifetime of lessons, hugs, and quiet moments that shaped her. Big Momma’s home is more than a place, it is a sanctuary where Sha’Carri learned resilience and faith. 

Betty Harp was right there when she qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, and emotional Sha’Carri ran straight into her arms afterward. She even showed up at her events in Paris, cheering her on from the sidelines. The roar of the crowd fades, but the memory of her grandmother’s embrace lingers, a reminder of where her strength began. Whether it’s overcoming setbacks or chasing gold, Sha’Carri runs for more than herself; she runs for the woman who gave her everything.

Her impact has been clear, especially on Richardson, who once said, “Everything I am, it’s because of that strong, wise Black woman. Everything. I mean, I’ve been blessed, because I’ve had other people in my life who have helped me along. But the foundation, that’s her.”

As she ascends the ranks of women’s sprinting, Sha’Carri Richardson continues to dazzle the world, but the love between her and Big Momma remains her truest victory. But what makes this bond so special?

The connection between Richardson and Big Momma is a fan-favorite moment. The post, shared on Instagram, sparked a wave of emotion among fans.

Sha’Carri Richardson’s tributes spark waves of fan emotions

Sha’Carri Richardson shared a heartfelt tribute to her grandmother, Betty Harp, on Instagram, sparking an outpouring of fan reactions on X. The 25-year-old sprinter’s emotional post, celebrating her “Big Momma,” has struck a chord with fans, highlighting the deep bond that fuels her success.

And fans immediately flooded with love for Sha’Carri’s tribute. One wrote, “Nothing Like a Grandmother’s Love, Hug, Prayers and Protection 🤲🏾♥️,” capturing the universal warmth of a grandmother’s embrace. Reflecting the moment Sha’Carri ran to hug her grandmother after winning the 100-meter final at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials with a world-leading 10.71 seconds, securing her spot in Paris. That iconic embrace, shared widely across social media, symbolized a bond forged through years of support. Why does this connection resonate so deeply with fans?

The praise continued, with one fan proclaiming, “GMA’s are the world 7th wonder😍.”  underscoring the reverence for grandmothers as pillars of strength, a role Betty Harp has played in Sha’Carri’s life. Raised in Dallas by Harp and her aunt, Shayaria Richardson, Sha’Carri has often credited her grandmother’s wisdom for her resilience. 

Sha’Carri’s ritual of running to her grandmother after races has become a fan-favorite moment. “And Every Race We Wait For You To Run And Hug Her! Best Highlight Ever 😍,” one user gushed, recalling the emotional scene at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Sha’Carri won silver in the 100 meters (10.87 seconds) and gold in the 4×100-meter relay (41.78 seconds). After her 100-meter race, she sprinted to Harp in the stands, a moment that rivaled her on-track triumphs. Fans cherish this tradition, which adds a layer of humanity to her blazing speed. What makes these embraces so unforgettable?

Another fan dubbed Harp the “Grandmother of the hero❤️❤️❤️,” a fitting title for the woman who has been Sha’Carri’s foundation. Harp, who raised Sha’Carri alongside her aunt in South Dallas, has been a constant presence, from her first AAU Junior Olympics win in 2016 to her 2023 World Championships gold. How does this family bond inspire fans globally?

The spiritual connection also resonated, with one fan noting, “When you come from a praying grandmother nothing can stop you 🙌🏾😇.”  reflecting the faith that Harp instilled in Sha’Carri, which carried her through setbacks like her 2021 Tokyo Olympics disqualification after testing positive for cannabis, a coping mechanism following her biological mother’s death. Harp’s prayers, fans believe, are a shield, evident in Sha’Carri’s triumphant 2024 season. Why does this spiritual narrative strike such a chord?

Sha’Carri’s tribute to her grandmother has ignited a wave of love, celebrating a bond that transcends the track. As she gears up for the 2025 Prefontaine Classic, fans eagerly await more heartfelt moments. Will Sha’Carri and Big Momma share another iconic embrace this season?