Olympic sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson issued a public apology Tuesday after her July 27 arrest at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, where she was accused of assaulting her boyfriend, fellow sprinter Christian Coleman.
In an Instagram story, Richardson acknowledged the incident and said she plans to seek professional help. She said she is “taking this time to not only see myself but get myself a certain level of help … not allowing this moment — but accepting this moment — to be more.”
She also expressed remorse in writing: “I apologize to Christian. He came into my life and gave me more than a relationship but a greater understanding of unconditional love … I love him and I can’t apologize enough.”
Authorities said police reviewed surveillance video showing Richardson grabbing Coleman’s backpack and shoving him into a column during an apparent dispute. Coleman, 29, declined to press charges and said he did not view the arrest as necessary.
Richardson, a 25-year-old world championship and Olympic medalist, was released from custody the following day after spending approximately 19 hours detained. In her statement, she noted past trauma contributed to her conduct and expressed gratitude to fans for their support and accountability.
