'...that is what resonates with me' - Sha'Carri Richardson on how legendary late sprinter 'Flo-Jo' influenced her style

'...that is what resonates with me' - Sha'Carri Richardson on how legendary late sprinter 'Flo-Jo' influenced her style

Mark Kinyanjui 10:01 - 14.12.2024

Richardson has never been one to shy away from expressing her style, but she was heavily influenced by two retired athletes, Gail Devers and Florence Griffith-Joyner.

Sha’Carri Richardson has revealed how the late Florence Griffith-Joyner, affectionately known as Flo-Jo, profoundly influenced her bold and unapologetic approach to self-expression. 

Richardson’s dazzling hair colors, striking acrylic nails, and dramatic lashes have become her signature, a homage to the legendary sprinter who redefined the intersection of athletics and style.

Florence Griffith-Joyner, one of the most decorated Olympians in American history, remains an icon both for her record-shattering performances and her audacious fashion sense. 

With three gold and two silver medals across two Olympic Games, Flo-Jo cemented her legacy in 1988 by setting world records in the 100m and 200m events—records that still stand today. Her signature long, bedazzled nails and flamboyant outfits turned heads as much as her blistering speed.

For Richardson, Flo-Jo’s influence extends beyond aesthetics. "Seeing Flo-Jo, her style, as well as Gail [Devers], just showing their different approaches coming to the line, was inspirational," Richardson shared with Vogue.

Richardson’s appreciation for Flo-Jo deepened after discovering her love for track and field through her mother. 

"Flo-Jo’s influence on me definitely comes from her creativity and her freedom to express herself in a way no other female athlete had ever done," Richardson explained. "She showed beauty while applying it to hard work. That’s what resonates with me."

While Gail Devers, another American sprinting legend, also inspired Richardson with her long, curving nails during her Olympic-winning days, it is Flo-Jo’s groundbreaking creativity that left the strongest mark.

Julia Sarr-Jamois, Richardson’s stylist, highlighted the similarities between the two sprinters. "There are a lot of parallels between Flo-Jo and Sha’Carri," she noted. "They both have a distinct style, are very strong and independent women, and show themselves unapologetically on the track."

Richardson embodies this ethos with every race, turning heads not only for her blazing speed but also for her fearless individuality. Much like Flo-Jo, she has proven that being an elite athlete and a style icon are not mutually exclusive—a legacy of self-expression and excellence that continues to inspire generations.

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