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Sha’Carri Richardson Shuts Down Salty Rivalry With Jamaican Sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce With a Heartwarming Gesture

Published 08/22/2023, 11:19 AM EDT

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For years, the Track and field world has been purely dominated by two countries: Jamaica and USA. This dominance has caused a fight for power on the tracks among some of the top-tier sprinters over the years. From athletes like Usain Bolt, Michael Johnson, and Carl Lewis, there has been major growth in the world of athletics. Now, to top it off, Sha’Carri Richardson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, two of the most prominent women in athletics, have also hit the headlines over the years for their salty rivalry.

However, this season has changed the dynamics between the two. Amid Sha’Carri Richardson’s win after competing with Team Jamaica at the 2023 World Athletic Championships, Richardson shut down the rivalry rumors. In a hilarious yet heartwarming gesture, Richardson was recently seen praising Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in a press conference and how she admired the athlete since childhood.

Sha’Carri Richardson shutting down the rivalry rumors

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Sha’Carri Richardson has cleared the air around the conjectures of her rivalry with Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. After her win at the world athletics championship, the athlete was seen appreciating Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s talent. On August 22, Joy News posted a video of Sha’Carri Richardson with the caption “Did Sha’Carri Richarson accidentally call Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Old?”

In the video, the athlete, while talking about Fraser-Pryce, told the media, “I just want to say she is an amazing athlete.” Further, the sprinter added, “I literally grew up watching her.” This comment by the track and field star, which accidentally highlighted the age difference between the two, led the room to burst into laughter. Shericka Jackson, who couldn’t stop smiling, was seen hiding her face while Fraser-Pryce gave the athlete an amusing look.

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Finally, to end her statement, Sha’Carri Richardson expressed her gratitude while participating with the Olympic legend, as she stated, “It’s great; honestly, it was going to take my best to come forward and be able to compete knowing that she’s been doing this and continues to pull to the podium every single time.” This heartwarming gesture came two years after the two clashed with each other at the Diamond League in 2021.

“Not Worried About the World Anymore”: Shacarri Richardson Makes Bold Proclamation After Qualifying Round in World Athletic Championships

The infamous rivalry between Fraser-Pryce and Richardson

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In 2021, after being banned from the big games, Sha’Carri Richardson participated in her first event at the Diamond League. However, the athlete was faced with disappointment as she finished the race last, while Shelly-Ann-Fraser-Pryce secured a position on the podium.

Following the race, during Richardson’s interview, Fraser-Pryce was caught smirking on the camera. And, although later Fraser-Pryce claimed the smirk to be unintentional, Sha’carri Richardson kept the picture as a profile picture on social media.

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However, now things have gone in a better direction between the two. Both Sha’Carri Richardson and Fraser-Pryce have shown a staunch example of athleticism this season. Hopefully, the athletes will provide more of these heartwarming gestures for the fans in the future.

Watch this story: As Retirement Nears, Track Legend Allyson Felix Hints at WHA201 a Fresh Career Path

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Written by:

Paras Jan

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Paras Haji is a US Sports author at Essentially Sports. She began her professional journey as a content and news publisher, which gave her valuable experience in the sports media industry. Her passion for all things Olympics, and dedication to keeping track of every competitive performance, have earned her recognition for handing over captivating articles.
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Edited by:

Purva Jain