The track and field community had been waiting eagerly to see the world’s top stars kick off their Olympic season from Florida this weekend. However, disappointment struck those looking forward to the Miramar Invitational as Sha’Carri Richardson announced her decision to back out from the meet through social media.

Only hours ago, a post by the World Athletics Club on Twitter sparked speculations of Richardson’s absence from the April 6 event. While the post mentioned some celebrity names who would compete in the much-anticipated outdoor event, Sha’Carri’s name was left out leaving fans waiting for some concrete proof. Now, Richardson has cleared the air herself.

In her recent Instagram story, a very grounded Sha’Carri shared the news in earnest. “Hey everyone, I just wanna let everybody know that I will not be competing this weekend at Miramar“, Richardon can be heard saying. She went on to state that she didn’t want her fans to find out about the news from anyone else, rather insisted they learned about it directly from “…the horse’s mouth“.

“I don’t want anybody to get their hopes up“, Sha’Carri tried to pacify the emotions of the fans. With flocks of them anticipating a splendid clash of the Titans between Richardson and Jamaican Shericka Jackson, they will now have to wait another ten days for the battle to possibly pan out at the Diamond League.

However, the reigning world champion in the 100m event assured fans that “…it’s going to be a great meet, great athletes.” Alongside Richardson could be heard talking about the fantastic lineup that will surely entertain fans to no extent. To make her decision clear, she claimed that a new year has prompted her to take a new approach toward her Olympic journey. However, there might be some salvaging factors that can get her back on the tracks soon.

From support to new challenges, a path filled with ups and downs

Only days ago, Sha’Carri took to social media to highlight how her grandmother stood beside her when she was sailing in troubled waters after the demise of her mother in 2021. It was this loss that led Richardson to spiral down in the smoky alleys of marijuana, and ultimately be barred from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In her IG story, Richardson came forward, talking about how Betty Harp has been a significant figure on her track and field journey. And she will need all the support she can get.

Sha’Carri’s biggest competitor in the 200m event, Shericka Jackson has also entered the upcoming Diamond League at the end of April. With so many hurdles on her way to the top of the Olympics, it remains to be seen if Richardson has what it takes to rise to the occasion and prove her worth.

Read more: Sha’Carri Richardson’s Biggest Hurdle to 200m Gold Just Announced for Diamond League