Sha’Carri Richardson confesses: “Everything was dark. I tried to commit suicide.”

American sprint sensation Sha’Carri Richardson has revealed that things took a completely different turn for her after her mother died in 2021. Her suspension from the Tokyo Olympics due to testing positive for THC- the main psychoactive component of marijuana- that same year also added to her distress.

The 23-year-old, seen as the best U.S. contender for a gold medal in the 2021 Games, said that “losing that connection with my mother really trapped me. She was supposed to be my world, and suddenly she was gone. I kept asking myself, ‘Then why am I here?’ It really took me to a very dark place... and I tried to commit suicide.”

The National champion also shared that she came close to attempting suicide when she was a junior in High School due to feeling utterly alone. However, she credited her aunt, Shayaria Richardson, with saving her life.

“I was always telling her, ‘Are you going to leave me too?’. She told me no, that I would always have a family, and she has never left me until now. I knew I needed that, and when she gave it to me, I knew my life was transformed.”

She further explained that even though her aunt was constantly present, she still had uncertainties. But, she eventually decided to place her trust in her aunt’s words and continue living, knowing that she would always have a supportive and caring family.

The Texan athlete never fails to make an impression with her attire, hair, and nails made it to the historic Top Ten of the women’s 100 meters at just 19 years old while competing at the 2019 NCAA Division.

Richardson is now set to compete for the speed crown at the World Championships in Budapest later this month, and