Sha’Carri Richardson opens up on her ‘clean, fresh and ‘fast’ style ahead of women’s 100m

Richardson’s steely focus and desire for a more natural look was first made known with a huge statement on the track last year.

On the starting blocks at the U.S. Track and Field Championships, she waited until she was on camera and her name was announced before pulling off her orange wig – part of a look she had previously called ‘loud and encouraging and, honestly, dangerous’ – and throwing it behind her.

Revealing her hair in braids underneath, not only did she leave the wig behind, but also her compatriots, as she stormed to victory.

On her decision to try this new look, she added: “My grandmother, my aunt, and my mother all influence the beauty I exude to the world on a day-to-day basis, especially in big moments.

“They kept their nails well-manicured. Hair was also something that I saw a lot of attentiveness to.”

A month later, she lit up the global stage in similar fashion.

“I’m not back, I’m better,” Richardson declared on Instagram, winning the 100m at the World Championships in Budapest to lay down a marker for Paris 2024.

And so, no matter her style, Richardson is ready to fight for the crown, with the women’s 100m under way on 2 August at the Stade de France.