Sha’Carri Richardson is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with on the track, but there is also Allyson Felix, an 11-time Olympic medalist and 7-time Olympic champion, making her the most decorated athlete in track and field history.
Felix, who just competed in her fifth Olympic Games in Tokyo, made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Tuesday to discuss receiving her latest medals and the launch of her new footwear brand, Saysh.
When asked about Richardson being disqualified from the Olympics due to a positive marijuana test and also coping with the death of her biological mother, the California native gave a candid and graceful response.
“I hope that she's just supported. I hope that people rally around her,” Felix told Stephen A. Smith as he guest hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live. Obviously she has a great personality, and she’s brought a lot of attention to the sport. I think she’ll be in the sport for a very long time.”
"I think just more than anything, for all athletes, there’s so much that goes into it — we just, you know, give her the support that she needs,” she added.
Richardson subsequently took to her Instagram account to share some thoughts on saying kind things about others publicly.
“Encouraging words on tv shows are just as real as well nothing at all,” the 21-year-old captioned a photo on her Instagram story.
She then continued in her Instagram story, posting “Be a good person, but don’t waste time proving it.”
Twitter wasted no time in checking Richardson for throwing shade at Felix.
i love sha'carri richardson's self-confidence, and it's easy to see what she could do for track & field if she starts to have global success
but if Allyson Felix is asked about you, responds with grace and support and you go on IG and seemingly shade her, you're way out of pocket— shalise manza young (@shalisemyoung) August 25, 2021
Allyson Felix didn’t say nothing bad about Sha’Carri Richardson for Sha’Carri to act like she in 5th grade
— Jordan Triplett (@JTriplett0825) August 25, 2021
Sha'Carri Richardson: disses Allyson Felix.
Black Twitter: pic.twitter.com/wvSB8buEvl
— Zande ???????? #BLM (@KingZairois) August 25, 2021
Some Twitter users also noted that Richardson's disposition towards Felix is surprising, considering she has not yet competed at any Olympic Games.
Allyson Felix has 11 gold medals and sha’carri Richardson who’s won literally nothing yet is treating her like a jv track coach lmao unbelievable https://t.co/rGAbSsBjej
— jw (@iam_johnw2) August 25, 2021
Everybody logging on and seeing Sha’Carri Richardson shaded Allyson Felix after she offered words of encouragement pic.twitter.com/And6xbMnOv
— TheLimitDoesNotExist (@sylviamphofe) August 25, 2021
How Black Twitter pulling up on Sha'Carri Richardson after she bad mouthed Allyson Felix pic.twitter.com/FmdS1TZeY5
— TokenBK (@TokenBK1) August 25, 2021
Now @itskerrii I'm trying my hardest to keep praying and rooting for you, but the things you spew out of your mouth , in tweets, etc, idk ????????♀️ @allysonfelix was being genuine and HONEST when she said what she said…..YOU do need some good ppl around you bc whew chile…..carryon
— ????Deez Nutz???? (@409islandgirl) August 25, 2021
seeeeeee I’ve supported and defended Sha’Carri this whole time through everything but what she NOT FINNA DO is play with Allyson Felix top.
— Bria the Viral RRT ???? (@briacheeks) August 25, 2021
Felix has been inciting change in the track and field space, particularly after she created a fund for female athletes in need of childcare assistance in addition to her footwear brand, as Blavity previously reported.
“These grants are about showing the industry that all mom-athletes need this same comprehensive support to be able to participate in their athletic endeavors," she said, USA Today reported.
