“THIS IS THE LAST TIME THE OLYMPICS DON’T SEE SHA’CARRI RICHARDSON. THIS IS THE LAST TIME THE U.S. DOESN’T COME HOME WITH THE GOLD MEDAL IN THE 100 METERS.” – Sha’Carri

Nike has a long history of standing by our athletes amidst controversy. This film was no different.

On June 21, 2021, Sha’carri scorched her 100m competition, became the fastest woman in America, and qualified for the Tokyo Olympics. Afterwards, she famously declared, “I’M THAT GIRL.”

Days later, Sha’carri was banned from competing in the Tokyo Olympics. She tested positive for THC (marijuana). Fans were outraged. Sha’Carri’s suspension ignited debates about outdated Olympic policies and athlete mental health. Sha’Carri confidently shrugged it off. She knew she’d be back. She just had to wait.

In this film, Sha’Carri is tapping her iconic fingernails, waiting. Waiting for the world to catch up. Waiting for the Olympics to update their outdated marijuana policy. Waiting for the moment she can run again, and show the world what they missed in Tokyo. Her fingernails tap slowly, because Sha’Carri is patient. When you’re the fastest woman in America, you’re used to waiting.

Show Nike stands by Sha’Carri after her (controversial) drug suspension.

After Sha’carri’s 1-month suspension was over, she made her return to the track at the 2021 Prefontaine Classic in August. It was a must-see event, because Sha’Carri was scheduled to race the Jamaicans who’d medaled in the event she should’ve run in the Olympics. Before the race, Nike ran the film (“Nails”) in North America.

Sha’Carri didn’t win her comeback race at Prefontaine, but a statement was made. Sha’Carri is not going anywhere. She’ll just be patiently waiting for the next race.

We debuted the :60 “Nails” during The Prefontaine Classic on NBC, (Sha’Carri’s highly anticipated return to the sport after being banned from the Tokyo Olympics).

The Classic averaged 1.2M viewers, which was up 10% from 2019