The Sha’Carri Richardson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce controversy continues to spread like wildfire in the track world. It all began when World Athletics released a poster on their official Twitter account for a race scheduled to take place on 29th April 2023. What was done to create excitement among the fans did nothing but enrage them. The reason behind the rage was that the poster compared the above-mentioned two athletes. Netizens believe it was disrespectful to compare Richardson with a sprinting legend like Fraser-Pryce. But as World Athletics received the heat after the tweet, veteran sprinter Michael Johnson has also come forward to give his two cents on the matter.

Previously, Johnson explained in detail the reason behind the choice of athletes on the poster. But Johnson has now taken a defensive stand for the track community as a fan compared it to a staged sport.

The new developments in the World Athletics tweet controversy

After the massive backslash from the sporting community, World Athletics has taken down the poster tweet. However, the damage is done. While fans are upset over the comparison, they are now comparing the athletic event to pro wrestling, some of whose fights are known to be staged. A fan tweeted, “Think it’s less ‘outrage’ than ‘are you f’n kidding me’. SR is not in the same league w/ SAFP. If you’re creating ‘rivalry’, it has to be believable or you’re a bad version of pro wrestling.”

Enraged by the fan’s tweet, 12x gold medalist sprinter Michael Johnson replied, “Then just say ‘my girl SAFP bout to spank that a** like she stole something’ but don’t say let’s not promote this, let’s ignore this matchup, the history, and her sh** talking a whole country.” Defending his community, he further added, “I say don’t ignore that. It’s real. WWE is fake.”

Johnson has been actively involved in the track world in general and never shies away from giving his take on anything. However, he too did not miss this chance to take a dig at the female American sprinter.

Read More: “This Is Total Disrespect”: Sha’Carri Richardson’s Comparison to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Leaves the Sports World Divided

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Michael Johnson takes a subtle dig at Richardson

Yesterday, while World Athletics was under fire for comparing Fraser-Pryce with Richardson, Johnson tried to explain their motive. But while pointing out the facts of the situation, Johnson, too, shaded Sha’carri Richardson. He wrote Richardson has failed to prove herself as a worthy competitor. However, she does receive undeniable media attention whenever she participates in a race.

Therefore, as per Johnson, the reason World Athletics put her face next Fraser-Pryce on the poster was just to grab the viewer’s attention. Though Johnson tried to clear World Athletics’ name, his statement about Richardson was a shade nonetheless.

Watch this story: Top-10 Moments of Olympic Sporting Spirit

From defending a poster to defending the track community, Michael Johnson is constantly engaging with fans on Twitter and standing up for his track and field community.