Apart from all the hard work and dedication, her family’s constant support has gotten Sha’Carri Richardson the fame that she basks in today. As the world’s fastest woman prepares for the big showdown in Paris in July, she took some time to praise those who have stood in her corner since the very beginning – with one person acting as an instrumental figure in her life.

After being the first woman athlete to partner up with the soft drinks brand Sprite, the 24-year-old has become the face of the new “Obey Your Thirst” campaign. Celebrating authenticity, the ad also aims to make Sha’Carri a household name across the globe. However, she couldn’t stand idle and not tilt her hat to the people who have held her hand along the way.

In a recent interview with Essence.com, Richardson spoke about how the women who matter in her life make a commanding presence in her latest deal. On being asked about how she feels becoming the first female face of Sprite and her experience sharing the moment with her grandmother and her mother, Sha’Carri confessed, “It was precious.” The track and field icon added: “It was priceless for them to actually be able to share a moment with me of just reflecting on the journey that we all have had together,” noting that their shared journey has been breathtaking for all of them.

Talking about her grandmother and her mother’s role in her life, Sha’Carri said: “The sacrifices and the support they’ve given me just over my lifetime, to be able to sit in that moment with them and just create an ad that speaks so much volume…” Claiming that the moment was among some of the best of her life, Sha’Carri also stated that it was more than just an ad campaign for her: “Speaking to family, speaking to women, speaking to just that energy of support, love, and understanding.” The 2023 world champion’s grandmother has the biggest inspiration in the athlete’s life, and her latest words once again show just how big of a support system they have been for each other over the years.

Sha’Carri Richardson’s tumultuous life

Betty Harp, Sha’Carri’s grandmother has been an anchor in the life of the Olympian. After the passing of Sha’Carri’s biological mom in 2021, only days before the Tokyo Olympics Team Trials, her grandmother and aunt had to take over the motherly duties. The sprinter could never overstate Harp’s presence in her life. “I owe her my life,” noted Sha’Carri several times, while also making it clear, “I’m highly grateful for them. Without them, there would be no me. Without my grandmother, there would be no Sha’Carri Richardson.”

“Blinded by hurt” post her biological mother’s death, the Olympian resorted to taking marijuana. The shocking news, which came to her from a stranger, shook her to the core. Talking about the incident, Sha’Carri had said, “I was definitely triggered and blinded by emotions, blinded by sadness, and hurting, and hiding hurt.” During this tough time, which also led to a USADA ban, Sha’Carri received complete support from her family. Now, as Sha’Carri has coped with the loss, she has her eyes set on an Olympic gold.