'Only when I feel compelled'- American sprint queen Sha'Carri Richardson on choosing when to use her platform for advocacy

Olympic silver medalist Sha’Carri has opened up about when and why she chooses to use her voice, emphasizing the importance of purpose, positivity, and staying grounded

The celebrated sprinter, known for both her prowess on the track and her candid personality, reflected on how she navigates her platform in a world of constant public scrutiny

Sha'Carri Richardson has opened up about the one thing her coach Dennis Mitchell emphasises on amid criticism.

Richardson explained that she only speaks out when she feels it is for the greater good, when her words can bring about peace, positivity, and genuine understanding

“I feel like to use my voice only when it is for the greater good. It’s only when I feel compelled by something from my heart and spirit to speak on something that is going to bring more peace and positivity than it would do negative,” Richardson shared.in a recent interview with

She stressed that her goal is to elevate the world’s understanding of track and field, ensuring it receives attention beyond the Olympics, when most people tune in every four years

“I would love to continue to use my voice or my essence and the platform I do have to show and to vocalize exactly what track and field is to the world,” she added

On the flip side, Richardson also acknowledged the moments when she chooses to stay silent, drawing inspiration from a lesson by activist Stacey Abrams

Quoting Abrams, she said, “If you wouldn’t take advice from them, don’t take critique from them.” For Richardson, this wisdom has helped her manage public commentary and online criticism

She described how she stays by focusing on those who know her fully, beyond the fleeting snapshots seen online

“At the end of the day, you have to be in tune. When you’re a star player, you have to be grounded and create your own environment where you someone sees your rawness, ugliness, and beauty on a day-to-day basis,” Richardson said

Addressing online critics, she acknowledged their presence but chose not to dwell on their opinions

“People that get online and have so many comments. They put their phones down and see the life they really live,” she remarked

Olympic silver medalist Sha'Carri Richardson is all about relating with people on a personal level and building mutually beneficial relationships.

Instead, Richardson chooses to pour her energy into those closest to her, the people who see her true self every day

In a confident and defiant tone, she concluded with a message for her detractors, stating, “The people that be online, they’re going to watch no matter what, so watch, baby.”