When Sha’Carri Richardson won the 100-meter world championship title on Monday, July 21, she solidified her position as a contender for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Richardson broke the record at the championship, blazing the track field in 10.65 seconds. The win makes her officially the fastest woman in the world.
“I’m honored, I’m blessed, I had great competition, [which] pulled the best out of me, and I’m just honored to leave with a gold medal,” Richardson told NBC News. “I’m going to stay humble. I’m not back. I’m better, and I’ll continue to be better.”
The win is yet another victory for the sprinter. Last month, she became the U.S. National Champion in the women’s 100 meters at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships — helping her to overcome professional challenges over the last few years. Last year, for instance, while competing at the U.S. Track and Field Championships, Richardson did not advance out of the 100-meter heats. She was banned from running at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics for testing positive for marijuana.
Medals and Endorsements
According to several news sources, Richardson has a net worth of between $1 million and $5 million. Most of Richardson’s wealth comes from her earnings associated with endorsements. For example, she has had an endorsement with Nike since 2019, and also partners with brands such as Beats and Apple Music.
Achieving a gold medal at the upcoming Paris Summer Olympics might expand the number of sponsors associated with Richardson. However, Richardson also will receive a monetary bonus if she places at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Athletes earning a medal receive $37,500 for a gold medal, $22,500 for a silver and $15,000 for bronze.
Humble Beginnings and Overcoming Challenges
Richardson’s endorsement deals and monetary gains from the Olympics result from hard work and dedication.
A native of Dallas, Texas, Richardson was raised by her grandmother. She was inspired to begin running at an early age. In 2016 and 2017, Richardson won the 100-meter title at the AAU Junior Olympic Games. She was already being called one of the greatest sprinters in the United States. In 2017, she traveled internationally and participated in the Pan American U2O Athletics Championships. Here, she won the gold in the 4 x 100-meters.
Richardson, who attended Louisiana State University, competed in the 2019 NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Track and Field Championships. She placed first in the 100 meters and second in the 200 meters. Richardson soon left college and signed a professional contract. According to Richardson, she was ready for greatness.
“I knew that to get to the next level, I had to make myself uncomfortable, meaning push myself to a limit I hadn’t pushed myself to before,” Richardson told Olympics.com.