Sha'Carri Richardson revels in Black excellence on what it means to represent the USA: 'There's a level of pride'

Sprint queen Sha'Carri Richardson is one of the most famous American track and field stars, and wearing the USA colours is one she doesn't take with levity.

Speaking with For The Win, the speedster revealed what it means to represent the USA at every international championship.

"To have the brand Team USA across my chest represents a level of pride ― that I am as a Black woman, knowing that where I come from ― [which] continues to represent a certain level of resilience that my I am my ancestors wildest dreams, and I will continue to, you know, open that door up to anybody that feels like that door has been closed on them.

"As well as wearing Team USA across my chest, it represents a country that is always gonna show up and show out. Always gonna put their best foot forward. Always is going to know that, "Hey, if you see me, you know that I'm working to be the best. I trained to be the best, and there's not an option but to go out there, and no matter what happens, but to be the best."

Richardson has represented the USA at every major senior athletics championship and won medals in all. At the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, she blazed to the 100m gold medal in a record time of 10.65s, claimed 200m bronze, and anchored the American women's 4x100m team to the gold medal.

Last summer in her maiden Olympic Games in Paris, the 25-year-old sprint star settled for the 100m silver medal and ran an emphatic anchor leg to win the 4x100m relay gold for Team USA.