I’m Not Back, I’m Better
I ran track all through high school at the time I didn’t realize I had a real passion and love for the sport. I love how the sport is both a personal and team competition sport this love had me as a first row seat watcher of the sport and athletes.
The stories of athletes competing showes more than just a race is shares a story of resilience, redemption and triumph over adversity. My heart strings have always been pulled for Sha’carri Richardson. Her story showed me how I too can overcome and triumph personally. Recently her words to a reporter rang so loudly in my heart and mind, “I’m not back, I’m Better”
In 2021 Sha’carri found out her biological mother had passed finding out after being asked by a reporter. During this time she faced more of a setback and scrutiny when she tested positive for THC that lead to her suspension allowing her not to compete in the Tokyo Olympics. The pressure that Sha’carri faced was I am sure a heavy load to carry as the world watched, speculated while giving their opinions of her actions. With not only this set back being on her mind, there was also this judgement coming towards her as it related to her appearance, her hair, colorful hair, long nails etc. This judgement of her appearance is similar to the conversation that surrounded Florence Griffith- Joyner (Flo-Jo) many years ago.
In the midst of what we would call her storm Sha’carri shows us what resilience is. She shows us what it means to let people talk while working on you and your craft. She reminds us that people will talk, life will happen yet it is important to close your ears to the voices of those who would attempt to keep you locked in to a moment in time.
Over the past month or so if you have watched the races or scrolling through social media you see Sha’carri back on the field dominating each race with grace, speed paired with a new lease on life. It bothers me a bit of how people, society and naysayers will be loud in their criticism yet are silent when the comeback is occurring. No think pieces of the comeback, no comments of her taking time to go silent for a bit so that she can get stronger both mentally and physically. No talks of how she is currently breaking records as she is literally allowing her races to speak for her.
I find so much inspiration from her words spoken to a reporter, “I’m not Back, I’m Better!” I felt strength as I heard her utter those words. How many times in our lives have we felt that we fell completely off. How many times have we heard the negative words of those watching possibly waiting for our downfall. Through the words she speaks she is reminding us all that even though we may experience a setback, it is NOT defeat. What we experienced is merely a way to shed the things that hold us back from growth. Regardless of what it is, it is important to embrace the lesson.
May Sha’carri’s story provide you with the powerful lesson for us all. It’s a testament of strength of the spirit, the transformative power of growth. Sha’carri’s journey from adversity to triumph reminds us no matter how did the tunnel may seem, there is always light at the end waiting to illuminate our path to success. We may fall short maybe even its our ability to be determined to be better that leads to victory!