Sha'Carri Richardson explains meaning of her famous mantra after claiming top US award

ATHLETICS Sha'Carri Richardson explains meaning of her famous mantra after claiming top US award

Abigael Wafula 09:04 - 17.11.2023

Sha'Carri Richardson has shared what her mantra, 'I'm not back, I'm better' has meant to her this season after being honoured again.

Reigning world 100m champion Sha’Carri Richardson is still having the time of her life after being honoured with the 2023 Jackie Joyner-Kersee Female Athlete of the Year Award.

Richardson was honoured courtesy of her 2023 achievements that saw her win the women’s 100m final race in a championship record of 10.65 at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

Throughout the season, Richardson took the 100m crown at three separate Diamond League meetings (Doha, Silesia, and Zurich) and won the USATF Nike Women’s 100 title in 10.82.

She also took the 200m bronze medal to become the first American woman to medal in both sprints since Carmelita Jeter took gold and silver in 2011. Richardson also anchored the U.S. women’s 4x100 to gold in a world-leading 41.03.

On her Instagram, she reflected on her mantra ‘I’m not back, I’m better’ and explained what it means to her. She also posted on her stories appreciating her college, Louisiana State University, who had made a poster congratulating her.

In the post, the 23-year-old said: “I’m not back, I’m better is a lifestyle that reflects self-awareness and unconditional faith. Gratitude is a must.”

Meanwhile, Richardson is just fresh from being honoured by the Dallas Independent School District with a track being named after her and November 10 being declared ‘Sha’Carri Richardson’ Day in Dallas.

The track at the John Kincaide Stadium was renamed to Sha’Carri Richardson in honour of the track star’s achievements.

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It was also renamed since it is also located close to Carter High School, where Richardson trained as a student. Richardson was also born and raised in South Dallas and she attended Dallas ISD schools from elementary through high school.

At the age of 16, she won the 100m title at the US Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympics. In 2017, she won the USA Track & Field Junior Olympics and the Pan American U20 Championships.

While at Louisiana State University, Richardson set the collegiate record in the 100m with a time of 10.75. This achievement placed her among the top 10 fastest women in history at the age of 19.

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