Olympic champion Sha’Carri Richardson took to Instagram to honor her mother’s memory in a touching tribute.
On June 5, 2025, the track star posted a series of images featuring red balloons, one reading “I LOVE YOU”, before releasing them into the sky.
“4 years since my mother transitioned from this physical world, I am grateful for a mother that made decisions for me to be the young lady I am today 🕊️❤️✨!” she wrote in the caption.
The emotional post comes four years after Sha’Carri Richardson’s mother passed away, just a week before her triumphant victory at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon.
After securing first place in the women’s 100 meters, Richardson ran into the stands to celebrate with her grandmother, Betty Harp.
A Mother’s Influence and a Daughter’s Gratitude
Though Sha’Carri Richardson has kept details of her loss private, she has spoken about the profound impact her mother had on her life.
“I am grateful for her giving me life, bringing me into this world … and I will always love and respect her for that,” she told reporters after the 2021 Trials.
Despite the pain of losing her mother at such a pivotal moment in her career, Richardson channeled her grief into motivation, vowing to make her family proud.
The Circle of Love That Shaped Her
While Richardson’s relationship with her mother was complex, she was never without love and support. Her grandparents provided stability, and her aunt, Shay, stepped in as a maternal figure, offering the nurturing presence she needed.
Growing up, Sha’Carri Richardson struggled with feelings of abandonment, wondering why her mother wasn’t present. But Shay’s unwavering reassurance changed everything.
“I’m never going to leave you. I’m her mom. I didn’t have to birth her to be her parent,” Shay once told her.
Those words became a lifeline.
“Words of affirmation transformed my life,” Sha’Carri Richardson admitted in a 2024 interview with NBC DFW.
“My mom [Shay] has definitely been a pillar in my life to just be better.”
From Heartbreak to Triumph
Shay, a former track athlete herself, played a crucial role in shaping Richardson’s career. When a young Sha’Carri discovered her aunt’s old medals, a fire ignited within her. Shay became her first coach, training her in the early years, laying the foundation for the champion the world knows today.
“I wouldn’t have even started running track if it wasn’t for my mom,” Richardson said.
Now, as she continues to dominate the track, Richardson carries her mother’s legacy with her.
Her latest tribute is a reminder that even in loss, love endures. And for Sha’Carri Richardson, that love continues to fuel her journey, both on and off the track.
