Cardi B inspired by Sha'Carri Richardson ahead of 2024 Olympic Games: 'You're more than just an athlete'

A golden rule in sports is that game should respect game. When former LSU track star Sha’Carri Richardson met Cardi B for the first time, it appeared as though both icons in their respective industries were in awe of each other.

The two shared an empowering conversation together, which left Cardi B in tears ahead of Richardson’s pursuit of gold at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

“You stand out. Like, the fastest woman in the world — she a real lit girl,” the international hip hop artist said. “You’re like a girl that I could like really hang out with really chill with, really cool like — girl! And I love that. She’s really like one of us. She’s a friend and I’m really, really proud of you. Seriously because you came back stronger than ever with your talent. You have, like, evolved.”

Grab some tissues…

This conversation between Sha’Carri Richardson and Cardi B will make you cry. 🥲 #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/jG7JJmnngU

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 22, 2024

Richardson showered the love right back.

“Let’s talk about you, though. You’re miss Cardi B,” Richardson responded. “I feel the same way that you’re sitting [there] saying. The inspiration, the way that I see you is that you have the same impact by just being yourself. It inspires so many people. I’m so proud of you.”

Cardi B feels the same.

Richardson said that heading into her first Olympic Games, she has to “hold it down,” because Cardi B told her how proud she was of her. She also asked the artist if she’d get back in the booth to record some songs for her pre-race playlist.

“And I’m so serious,” Cardi B said. “It’s like, I came here with a goal and I was like, ‘Okay, let’s talk and everything but like, I feel like inspired and I feel so warm — I’m going to cry. Really like warm, like the energy though –“

Richardson and Cardi B embraced, cutting off her statement. Although she was already in tears, so she wouldn’t have gotten much farther.

“You have seen my journey,” Richardson said. “You can literally take moments of your life and relate it to my journey. We represent –“

This time, Cardi B cut her off. “You’re so special. You’re more than just an athlete. Like, you’re really special.”

Richardson said that she feels more motivated than ever to go and take home Olympic gold for her home country. When it comes to Track & Field, no woman will have more eyes on her than Richardson for Team USA. In her first Olympic Games, she’ll look to meet those expectations and then some.