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“Athletes Are Disappointed”: As Sha’Carri Richardson Stands Up Against Exploitation, US Legend Joins in Supporting Thousands Affected

Published 07/03/2023, 9:32 AM EDT

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With a legacy in Speed and Success, Michael Duane Johnson, a retired American sprinter, has left his imprint on the world of track and field. With his extraordinary achievements, the legendary sprinter has not only contributed heavily to the world of track and field, but he has also become a prominent advocate for athletes’ rights.

Recently, the track and field world has been buzzing with discussions for accountability and action from governing bodies. Michael Johnson, recently, took to social media to share a thought-provoking tweet that encapsulated the sentiments of many athletes longing for change.

Johnson joins the rally against athlete injustice

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Michael Johnson recently took to social media to share a thought-provoking tweet that encapsulated the sentiments of many athletes longing for change. He penned, “Athletes are disappointed, and they are screaming for change. Most have agents who they pay. Curious what role they feel agents should play in helping them achieve the change they want”. He recognized that as trusted advisors, agents have the potential to help athletes navigate the complexities of the sports industry and advocate for change.

The shared tweet shed light on Sha’Carri Richardson, a rising track and field star, and her groundbreaking initiative. In her recent reel on Instagram Richardson proposed a strategic meeting of athletes to address the athletes’ lack of representation and decision-making power. Her assertion that athletes have a voice struck a chord with many who feel disadvantaged within the sport. Richardson’s call to action reverberated throughout the track and field community, inspiring fellow athletes to join forces and create a new organization. The aim? To provide a platform for athletes to voice their concerns, effect change, and shape the future of the sport.

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Sha’Carri Richardson Challenging the Status Quo

Richardson’s proposal for a meeting in Eugene during the Nationals received overwhelming support, with athletes expressing their eagerness to gather and discuss the pressing matters affecting US Track and Field. In her Instagram post, she urged fellow athletes saying to come together and join her in creating a platform “To create an actual organization that we know is going to impact us and build us up and build up the sport in the United States.” She further said that the organization should benefit them, “And not just continue to exploit us like these organizations that are supposed to be on our side are doing and they continue to show us there are not”.

Read more: “Killing the Sport”: Sha’Carri Richardson Joins Hands With Millions After NBC Drops a Disappointing Update for Track and Field World

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The post was shared by a Twitter handle named Rori Dunk who shared Richardson’s move tweeting, “We, as athletes, keep talking about not having a voice. We do!” to which, Johnson added his influential voice to the conversation by amplifying Sha’Carri Richardson’s message. Michael Johnson and Sha’Carri Richardson stand as beacons of inspiration, advocating for athletes’ rights and demanding a level playing field in track and field. Their unwavering dedication to the sport has brought the community together, to pave the way for a brighter future.

Watch this story:  As Retirement Nears, Track Legend Allyson Felix Hints at a Fresh Career Path

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Written by:

Christaline Meyers

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Christaline Meyers is a pro-writer for Essentially Sports. Having contributed to movies and web series, Christaline delved into sports journalism and like the puck on the ice, has been a force to be reckoned with in the US sports arena. Her experience in writing about the latest WSL event, the recent track and field record, and creative gymnastics routines, found her digging deeper into the minds of legends like Kelly Slater, Usain Bolt, and Simone Biles.
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Edited by:

Brandon Gabriel