According to legendary Usain Bolt, the sport of track and field needs American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson’s energy.
Several Jamaican track and field fans criticised Richardson for style, saying she talks too much. They base their criticism on the fact that she is yet to win even a single global medal.
Speaking with REVOLT.tv, which considered itself the home to exclusive interviews from rising stars to today’s biggest entertainers and public figures, Bolt shared his opinion.
Addressing the “too confident” and “not humble enough,” Bolt said: “Everybody is different.”
“But, I think she brings a different spice to track and field. And sometimes sports need somebody like that to give the energy, to get people talking about it,” REVOLT.tv quoted Bolt saying.
In her latest interview, Richardson said she aims to keep Florence Griffith Joyner’s (Flo-Jo) 100m world record in the United States. Flo-Jo’s record is 10.49 and Jamaicans Elaine Thompson-Herah, 10.54, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, 10.60, are the closest to the mark.
She often said that she doesn’t care what people say about her and as the world’s sixth-fastest in the game, she is here to stay.
After losing to the Jamaicans Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson and Briana Williams at the Prefontaine Classic, Richardson said, “Im not done yet.”
She continued: “Count me out if you want to. Talk all the s*** you want. Cause I’m here to stay. I’m not done,” Richardson said.
Bolt continued: “And she does get people talking about track and field. So, for me, that’s something that I personally feel is good for the sport,” added Bolt.
“So, for me, if they’re talking about it because she’s high energy and vibes, then for me, I’m okay with it.”
Richardson missed the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games because of a failed drug test for marijuana. Then, Bolt told her to “refocus” and get back on the track.
The Guardian described Richardson as the most exciting, compelling, and intriguing sprinter since Usain Bolt.
“I don’t think I have been given the respect yet,” she tells the British athletics press pack in July.
“When I run a time somebody’s always trying to find something. It’s ‘I’m just fast for an American’, or ‘I’m just fast because I’m young’. I feel like there’s always an excuse for my success. I can’t allow myself to be starstruck on Sunday.”
Even Lloyd Harris is talking about her 🤣🤣🤣….and has done so consistently 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Winston Carter I don’t see what positive she brings to the sport🙄
Great energy, good for the sports….. everyone is talking about her….even her detractors
Winston Carter Track and field has always survived without loudmouth like her. She does nothing for the sport. The worse part is she can’t even run.
Lloyd Harris yet in 2 minutes you haven’t said a thing about Shelly or Elaine only about her, never mind the fact that it is in the negative. She is marketing herself and the sport. Has she gone overboard? Absolutely. She is disrespectful etc yet here we are 🤷🏾♂️
No. Her behaviour is a different issue. I am sure if you ask Bolt directly about her behaviour, he would not condone her attitude. Rivalry is necessary but be respectful. Leave out the personal innuendos.
So wait deh a coulda wah cause him with all his frame have to get involved after the girl diss up wi athletes
Kmdt you too nuff Usain Bolt you need to stand by you own 🇯🇲🇯🇲 people
Usain bolt sold his soul to the devik for fame and money.
Look how hard Bolt Work, SMH. His d devil writing him a check every month ?????? Even though he’s rich, he’s always trying hard to accomplish more for him ANF his beautiful family….. Y people like to talk and think negative of other people so
Sure, we want to see this American gal put her feet where her mouth is.
Bolt my hero, you are very right. You true to the core
Bolt is a gentleman. He doesn’t speak ill of anyone.
Humble yourself and you well get it right
She also have him as her favorite athlete..😎
As an athlete if you are going to be disrespectful to other athletes I’m not going to be in support with you.so mr bolt be careful of her energy that she’s putting out,good energy 👊🏿 , bad energy tek weh u self.
Laurel Service you are missing one tiny d..(who am i kidding ) you are missing the elephant in the room , BOLT WALK THE TALK ..um ..i mean gestures .but yea , she should continue to run off her mouth lol
Bolt is right. If you are the looser and commanding attention that’s good for the sport. Her managers are doing well at marketing her. The running is left to her coach.
Now, the Jamaicans are doing well as the coaching and excellent running, not so good at the local agent working with international marketers to get the interviews and the athletes positioned in the right platforms. It’s part of developing the brand. Spend to earn.
Bolt did exceptional well at both – he had a good coach, was running well and had a local agent in the name of Carole Beckford (my friend) working with the international marketeers.
Jamaicans need to take a page out of Bolts book. What he is saying make a whole lot of sense. Who have ears hear or you can continue run off your mouths.
Laurel Service it will only pay off for sha’carri if she can show up for the big occasion, but the sport itself benefits