Sha’Carri Richardson is probably going through one of the worst phases of her life, if not the worst. Poor performance on the track, getting arrested, and whatnot. The one way to calm it all down. Win the World championships. But her current form does not feel like that of a winner, though she has been back from the worst. Let’s hop on the time machine and go back a year. In the early 2024 Diamond League season, Richardson looked like she was still finding her rhythm, clocking a decent but uninspiring 22.99s for second place in Xiamen before slowing down even more to 23.11s a week later in Shanghai/Suzhou for third. What happened next was testimony to why they call her a GOAT.

At the 2024 US Trials semis, the 2023 World Champion roared back, winning the 200m in a season-best 21.92s; no one else even broke 22. Jenna Prandini was second at 22.26s. She had already made a statement in the 100m trials finals with a 10.71s season best. Compared to her 22.56s and Shanghai times, she went from her worst to stronger than ever. Maybe all she needs is practice to regain full form. The good news? She’s on it. The bad news? Fans have lost faith.

Travis Miller, NBC Sports Director of Social Media, tweeted today, “Sha’Carri Richardson announced for a second Diamond League event this month. August 16th – Silesia, August 22nd – Brussels.” The track and field athlete has been listed for the 100m in both meets. She’ll face Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, who is currently 2025’s fastest woman and her training partner, and this could be a big break for her before the 2025 World Championships. The fans, however, have given reactions like, “Let Her Retire”.

The fans do not believe in Sha’Carri Richardson anymore, it seems. She struggled with form issues stemming from a February injury, finishing fourth at the Golden Grand Prix in Tokyo (11.47s) and ninth at the Prefontaine Classic (11.19s). But then there were hopes from her when she lined up on the track for the 100m heats in the USATF Championships, but she was eliminated from the 200m after a season-best 11.07 in the 100 m heats. Not to speak of the arrest. Sure, there is a way, but fans are not hopeful anymore.

Track and field community loses trust in Sha’Carri Richardson

Sha’Carri Richardson getting arrested has taken a major toll on her and her reputation. A user commented, “Will Coleman be at both events as well? I know he is lining up in the 100m in Silesia.” The 60-m world record holder indeed will be there. He’ll be racing 100m in Silesia and 200m in Brussels. But why was this asked? Because the 2023 World Champion was almost behind bars for alleged assault over Coleman.

Another track and field enthusiast took to the comment section to say, “You ever been such a fan of someone then see a video proving they were exactly who the media always said they were and then not care one bit where they are racing next?” Surveillance video from Tacoma International Airport, Seattle  shows Richardson physically confronting Coleman, grabbing his backpack, pushing him, and even shoving him into a wall or column. At one point, she appears to throw an object, possibly headphones, at him. This video has damaged Richardson’s reputation beyond repair.

“Equivalent to cramming the night before the final exam 🤦‍♂” wrote another user. Just 41 days before the World Championships, she’s banking on two Diamond League races. A risky but the only strategy left, because, like this fan says, “exactly what i’ve been saying and asking for… all these people can continue to make excuses but she needs reps…. like ive been saying 😌” She need practice but also she does not need to test the waters now, she has to swim in it and get to the banks before the sharks get to her. What do you think will happen in these two races?