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Sha'Carri Richardson, the currently most exciting American sprinter, showcased her exceptional speed by winning the 100m in the USA Track & Field Championships, solidifying her status as one of the world's top sprinters. However, she'll ultimately be judged by only one thing, her success in the Olympics.
If she brings home the Gold, she'll be immortalized yet if somehow she falters she may not be remembered at all.
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Without testing her skills against the best in the world, it can be argued that anything other than the Olympics is akin to "we talking about practice."
We're talking about Allen Iverson's famous "practice" rant, where he passionately emphasized the importance of being judged off of his performance in games against real competition instead of "practice" which doesn't count.
Winner Takes All
If she wins, she'll redeemed by the public and will enjoy a bounty in endorsements. If someone else wins Olympic Gold, only the holder of the fastest (wo)man alive is remembered, everything else is really treated as "just practice."
Winning the 100m in the Olympics is an extraordinary feat. Richardson's blazing speed and remarkable talent cannot be denied. She has proven herself as a force to be reckoned with on the track, captivating audiences with her electrifying performances. This victory undoubtedly establishes her influence and marketability.
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While Richardson's win demonstrates her preparedness, prowess and speed, it is only in the Olympic Games where the stakes are highest, the entire world is watching, and the competition is at its fiercest.
While Richardson's triumph in the USA Track & Field Championships is impressive, it's only treated as a stepping stone by endorsers and media, not the timeless statue it leads to, while winning Gold will net her millions along with a legacy that'll last for ages.
What could she gain?
An Olympic gold medal is not only a symbol of athletic excellence, but also a source of economic benefits for the winner. Compared to any other event, an Olympic gold medal can boost the endorsements and popularity of the athlete, leading to more income and exposure.
Simone Biles, Usain Bolt, and Michael Phelps became legendary household names and earned millions in endorsements only after winning their (numerous) Olympic Gold Medals, making them some of the the highest paid athletes in the world.
For many, it's the only time we get to tune in to watch so many of the different sports that are usually either too tough to follow along with not knowing who to root for, or aren't shown on television altogether. But ultimately the value of Olympic Gold will make or break the legacy of an athlete for generations.
It's what legends are made of, and with her charisma, popularity, and talent Sha'Carri Richardson has all the ingredients to be one.
