Sha’Carri Richardson Has Entered the Olympic Village

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Sha’Carri Richardson is no stranger to the Olympic spotlight. In 2021, the Team USA frontrunner was controversially barred from competing at the Tokyo Games after testing positive for THC (found in weed) during the trials. Evidently, Sha'Carri did not let the ruling deter her Olympic dreams—take it from her recent performance in the track and field trials, which earned her a well-deserved spot on Team USA. She finished in first place in the 100m with a time of 10.71 to stamp her ticket to Paris.

Ahead of her long-awaited Olympic debut on August 2, Cosmopolitan had the opportunity to chat with Sha'Carri. Aside from her impressive sprints, (did you hear she's the Fastest Woman in the World following her record-breaking 100-meter run in the 2023 World Championships?!), we couldn’t help but yap about all things beauty and fashion as we sat down to talk about her new role as Olay's ambassador.

Ahead, Sha'Carri opens up about what motivates her on the track, her excitement for the Olympic Village, and the iconic TV shows she watches to decompress.

How are you feeling going into Paris? What are your main motivations for the Olympics this summer?

My main motivation going into this summer—and obviously the Olympic Games—is being able to show my support system, everybody who has been following my journey, and myself that I am doing everything I can to prove myself out there on the track. My number one motivation is all the positivity and support surrounding me.

What are you looking forward to most in the Olympic Village?

Well, when I get to the Olympic Village, I'm looking forward to just being in the Olympic Village. I definitely want to meet athletes from different sports and pick their brains. I’m pretty sure they would want to understand track a little bit more, and I also want to learn even more about track. I'm excited for literally the entire experience from head to toe.

I'm sure as an athlete self-care is extremely important to you. Can you tell me about any rituals or regimens you follow when preparing for a race?

When it comes to preparing for a race, and honestly just every day, my skincare process always includes washing my face throughout the day. When I’m training, since I’ve been outside for so long, I really like to clean my face and my hands because I touch the track and ground a lot. I can almost feel the grittiness on my skin and it's kind of irritating, so I make it a priority to wash my face right after practice. (And obviously before I go to bed.) I feel like washing my face is a key thing. I love being outside but I definitely don't want the outside on me when I come inside.

Are there any specific products that you use to keep yourself feeling fresh during practice and throughout the day?

For my ritual of cleaning my face, it would definitely be the Olay Cleansing Melts here. I feel like these get a deep clean but are not too drying. So for the repetition of washing my face in the morning, noon, and night, it doesn't really dry out my skin like typical cleansers do. The balance of the formula with the consistency of how often I like to clean my face is great.t keeps up with what my speed is, no pun intended. Plus they don’t spill and they dissolve in water, so it’s so easy to travel around with them.

Olay Cleansing Melts + Retinol

Olay Cleansing Melts + Vitamin C

Olay Cleansing Melts + Hyaluronic

Other than skincare, what are ways you like to decompress after a long race day?

After being outside all day, I love to be inside to just unwind and usually I’ll watch a show. I’m rewatching Parks and Recreation right now. It’s an older show but I really enjoy that series. Oh, and Abbott Elementary, those are my two right now.

You have become a fashion icon and have done huge collaborations with Jacquemus and Nike. How do you like to blend athletics with fashion in your everyday life?

In my everyday life, I like to mix fashion with athletics because it gives me a certain level of power and confidence. I feel good whenever I’m able to incorporate my style—like if I’m going to practice I love to throw a little designer in there. And I also wear a lot of Nike even when I’m not on the track. If I'm traveling I love how I can mix Nike and luxury brands with almost anything—it just flows for me and the combination makes sense for any occasion. Whether it’s track, an event, a dinner, or for everyday, I like to mix it up..

Nike Dri-FIT Padded Sports Bra

Medium Support High Waist 7/8 Leggings

Nike X Jacquemus Layered Dress

What advice would you want to give to young women wanting to pursue a sport?

I love this question. I will definitely tell any young woman or anyone out there, honestly, just believe in yourself. Once you believe in yourself, you can put the work in behind it. I know a lot of people say your dreams are only wishful thinking when you don't put it into words. I will definitely say just working hard for what you want and putting in the effort and believing in yourself. It will come full circle. And also have fun! Never, never, never not have fun.

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