Sha’Carri Richardson Talks Angel Reese, POWERADE Olympics Campaign, And More

Sha’Carri Richardson was named as one of the faces of POWERADE’s new Olympic campaign and the fastest woman alive wants to talk all about it. As per an official press release, Richardson was named, alongside silver medalist swimmer Katie Grimes, as POWERADE partners for its “It Takes More” campaign in honor of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Jacoby Jones, Ravens SB XLVII Star, Dead At 40

But, with a profile as enormous as Sha’Carri’s, one may wonder why she didn’t go for Gatorade instead. Well, the track and field sprinter explains to VIBE that it was all about “connection”—and of course, it harkens back to her days as an LSU Tiger.

“POWERADE is an iconic brand, and it’s a brand that I’ve been connected to and have used since my LSU days,” Lady Flash exclusively told VIBE. “Plus, the IT TAKES MORE campaign really resonated with me. I truly believe that the work you put in before the track meet is so important to helping you perform your best and this is the work that takes the most effort. When I looked at everything – plus the fact I love the taste of POWERADE – it just made sense.”

As par for the course with these larger-than-life campaigns, Sha’Carri has already been spotted in the POWERADE TV ad. The advert finds the Dallas native running through her routine in preparation for the world’s games. By the end of the commercial, the narrator concludes that, with constant naysayers, distractions, and pitfalls all working against you, “being the greatest ever will take more than ever.” A statement in which Richardson agrees.

“It Takes More highlights that ‘behind-the-scenes grind’ and hard work that athletes everywhere put in to make the Olympics and ultimately take home gold for their country,” she said. “My coaches and I have developed a schedule over the years—with different goals and events in mind—to ensure that I’m at my best when it comes time to compete at any meet.”

At the end of the conversation, you know we had to ask about her LSU ties. With Angel Reese dominating in the WNBA and Justin Jefferson becoming a DB’s nightmare in the NFL, Richardson had nothing but love for her fellow alumnus. In fact, she admitted that, with Reese’s trajectory, she could easily be one of the best Tigers ever.

Jayson Tatum, A'Ja Wilson Selected As 'NBA 2K25' Cover Athletes

“It’s incredible to see the athletes and level of talent that comes out of LSU, and I’m proud to represent them. Angel is doing her thang,” she explained. “I honestly think she could be one of the best athletes ever to come out of Baton Rouge—and obviously Justin is already one of the best receivers in his sport, so it’s fun to watch our alumni dominate!”

Richardson will now make her Olympics debut after previously being banned from the 2021 Tokyo Games for testing positive for marijuana.

Sha’Carri Richardson officially punched her ticket for the 2024 Paris Olympics in June. She won the 100 meters at the U.S. Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon, finishing with a time of 10.71 seconds. As a result, her time became the fastest women’s 100m time in 2024.

Look out Paris, here comes the fastest woman alive.

Sha'Carri Richardson Reflects On Wig-Tossing Career Win Ahead Of Paris Olympics