Olympian Sha'Carri Richardson Arrested For Alleged Domestic Violence Against Her Track Star Boyfriend

Sha'Carri Richardson might be one of the fastest women in the world, but she can't outrun the law.

After being seen on security footage arguing with her boyfriend, fellow Olympian Christian Coleman, Sha'Carri Richardson was arrested for alleged domestic violence against him.

According to a report from USA Today, Richardson and her boyfriend, Coleman, were traveling for a track meet when the pair got into a verbal altercation at the Seattle airport. However, per the police report, things escalated quickly when Richardson allegedly pushed Coleman so hard that he fell into a column.

The Seattle Police Department alleged in their report that, after reviewing security footage, Richardson was seen repeatedly bumping into Coleman as he attempted to remove himself from the situation. They also claimed Richardson threw a pair of headphones at Coleman.

The New York Times reported that Coleman did not press charges against Richardson and that he "declined to be a victim."

Richardson was arrested and booked at the South Correctional Entity in Washington on Sunday, July 27, and released the following day.

USA Track and Field told USA Today that it was "aware of the report," but declined to comment on Richardson's legal woes at the time.

On Instagram, fans shared their reactions to Richardson's arrest, with one writing, "Imagine trying to run from danger and the danger can catch you."

Another user wrote, "The airport is the last place you'll catch me fighting."

"Y'all gotta keep y'all hands to yourselves," another person posted. "Men and women!"

Several other users also commented, defending Coleman against the alleged abuse.

"Everybody finds this sh-t funny, but let this story be the other way around," someone shared.

"Defending abusive behavior based solely on the gender of the abuser undermines fairness, accountability, and the principles of justice," a user added. "Domestic violence is wrong regardless of who commits it. If we excuse harmful actions because the perpetrator is a woman, we reinforce a dangerous double standard that discourages male victims from coming forward."

Richardson put on a spectacular performance during the 2024 Olympics, soaring past her rivals in the Women's 4x100 m relay to snag the gold medal. She was part of an electric team, which included Twanisha Terry, Gabby Thomas, and Melissa Jefferson.

Coleman, meanwhile, made his return to the Summer Games after missing the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. However, he and his 4x100 m relay teammates placed 8th after a technical hiccup occurred with Team USA during the first leg.

Richardson had all eyes on her during the 2024 Summer Games, mainly because the sprinter was forced to sit out of the Tokyo Games after the United States Anti-Doping Agency revealed she tested positive for marijuana during the Olympic Trials.

She received a one-month suspension, which drew pushback from several prominent public figures, including "Bring It On" and "Being Mary Jane" star Gabrielle Union.

"Weed is great for many a thing, but running faster isn't one of them. LET HER RUN!!! #ShacarriRichardson," Union, 52, posted to her X account.

Television host Van Lathan also chimed in, posting a picture of Richardson on his Instagram, writing, "Free my dawgs."

While appearing on the "Today" show, Richardson apologized and opened up about how "disappointed" she was in herself.

"I know that when I step on the track, I represent not only myself, I represent a community that has shown great support, great love," Richardson said before explaining she used marijuana to help her cope with her mother's death. "I apologize for the fact that I didn't know how to control my emotions or deal with my emotions during that time."

"We all have our different struggles, we all have our different things we deal with, but to put on a face and have to go out in front of the world and put on a face and hide my pain," Richardson said. "Who are you? Who am I to tell you how to cope when you're dealing with a pain or you're dealing with a struggle that you've never experienced before or that you never thought you'd have to deal with. Who am I to tell you how to cope? Who am I to tell you you're wrong for hurting?"