Kerry Washington’s Sha’Carri Richardson Costume Deserves a Gold Medal

Kerry Washington hit the ground running this Halloween. On Oct. 31, the actor transformed into Olympic track and field star Sha’Carri Richardson, dubbing herself Sha’Kerry on Instagram. She scored several points for attention to detail, dressed up in a makeshift version of Richardson’s Nike sports top, what appear to be navy swimsuit bottoms, and a homemade Olympic team trials racing bib (featuring the name “Washington” in bold black ink). The costume was nearly identical to the zigzag outfit Richardson wore to the track and field team trials back in 2020, where she won the women’s 100-meter race in style.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Richardson without her signature fiery orange hair. Washington found a wig similar to the one Richardson famously tore off in July, styling it half-up, half-down for accuracy. She added long nails, temporary tattoos, a red and white sweatband around her hairline, and layered necklaces to complete the Olympian cosplay. Washington showed off the completed look on TikTok, lip-syncing one of Richardson’s interviews about her wig reveal. “I’m still that girl, but I’m better. I’m still that girl, but I’m stronger. I’m still that girl, but I’m wiser. So I had to shed the old and present the new,” Washington mouthed to Richardson’s original audio.

Richardson dealt with controversy back in 2021 after she was suspended from the Tokyo Olympics for a positive marijuana test. Given that marijuana is not a performance-enhancing drug, many found the decision unfair, since it disqualified her from the 2022 world championships. Now, Richardson is wrapping up her comeback season, first winning the 100-meter at the US track and field championships in only 10.82 seconds, then taking home the 2023 world title in the ultimate full-circle moment. For an activist like Washington, we can’t think of a better inspiration. Sha’Kerry for the win!