Kerry Washington's Sha'Carri Richardson Halloween Costume

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

31 October 2023 by Chandler Plante

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 similar re-creation of the viral wig Richardson famously tore off in July, styling it half-up half-down for accuracy. She also added a red and white sweatband around her hairline, long nails, temporary tattoos, and layered necklaces to complete the Olympian cosplay. Washington showed off the completed look on TikTok, ad-libbing 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 lip-synced 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 100m at the U.S. Track and Field Championships in only 10.82 seconds, then taking home the 2023 World Championship in the ultimate full circle moment. For an activist like Washington, we can't think of a better inspiration. Sha'Kerry for the win!