Sha’Carri Richardson stirs new controversy as she calls out Team USA Fund

American sprint queen Sha’Carri Richardson has stirred fresh controversy after urging members of the public not to donate to the Team USA Fund since athletes do not allegedly receive the money.

Fresh from receiving the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Athlete of the Year Award at the USA Track and Field’s Night of Legends ceremony last weekend, Richardson reacted negatively to a social media post from Team USA Fund urging Americans to donate and help athletes maintain their competitive edge.

“100% of Donations to the Team USA Fund goes to the athletes and the high-performance programming that supports them,” read the post from Team USA Fund. “With the 2024 Olympic & Paralympic Games around the corner, donate to the Team USA Fund today and help athletes maintain their competitive edge on their #RoadToParis.”

However, Richardson told members of the public to steer clear of the initiative, claiming athletes do not receive the money as promised.

“Do not donate. The athletes that need this money don’t see it,” Richardson posted on her Instagram story while reacting to the post.

According to the committee’s official website, athletes are collectively paid roughly $2.5 million with the help of donors and organisations. They can also apply for tuition, training, and travel grants.

Richardson, the 100m world champion, has been a sharp critic of various athletics organisations with the topic of low pay to athletes among her pet subjects.

The 23-year-old is preparing for her first Olympics Games in Paris next year where she will be seeking to claim gold in the 100m again as well as the 200m which she won bronze in at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

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