Richards-Ross started running at the age of 7. At St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, she lettered in Track and Field and Basketball in high school and is a member of the National Honor Society. In 2002 she was named National High School Female Athlete of the Year, USA Track and Field’s Youth Athlete of the Year, and Track and Field News Women’s Prep Athlete of the Year. She became a naturalized American citizen in 2002.
As a freshman at the University of Texas in 2003, Sanya Richards won the NCAA national championship in the 400 meters with a time of 50.58. After her sophomore year in 2004, she turned pro.
Sanya Richards-Ross is a Jamaican American track and field athlete who competes internationally for the United States. Richards-Ross won the Olympic gold medal in the 4×400 meters relay at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China and in the London 2012 Olympics. She won the individual bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics for the 400m. The following year, Richards-Ross became World Champion, winning a gold medal in the 400 meter race at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin. She won the gold medal in the 400m at the 2012 Olympics.
The first American woman to do so in 28 years, and only the 2nd in history, Sanya Richards-Ross became Olympic Champion over 400m at the 2012 Games in London by overtaking the competition in the last 50 meters of the race. The London games also saw Sanya become tied as one of the most decorated female track and field Olympians of all time after anchoring the 4x400m relay team to gold for the 3rd consecutive time.
A banner year in her career, the 2012 season got off to a roaring start for Sanya Richards-Ross. Having set four world-leading times over 200 and 400 meters in her first three competitions of the season, electing to participate in indoor competition for the first time in several years, has proven beneficial for Richards-Ross. Being crowned 400m World Indoor Champion and helping her teammates win the Silver as the anchor in the 4x400m relay has been the icing on the cake on her journey to her ultimate gold of becoming Olympic Champion in her flagship event later this year. With this achievement under her belt, Sanya began the 2012 season with high hopes, ambitious goals, and great expectations for what she hoped would be the best year of her career yet.
Sanya dedicated the 2011 season to working her way back to form. Her best performance of the year came in at the Aviva Grand Prix in London, where she turned out an impressive time of 49.66 seconds over 400 meters. Encouraged by her performance, Sanya went on to defend her individual World title at 400 meters in Daegu, South Korea, but fell short. She went on to lead her teammates to gold in the 4×400 meter relay, becoming a World Champion once again. Sidelined by injury after injury, starting in early April, Sanya was unable to compete for the majority of the 2010 season.
From the very start of the 2009 Track and Field Season, Richards-Ross was unstoppable, staking her claim on the World stage as 2009 World Champion. She was named IAAF World Female Athlete of the Year and is nominated for the prestigious Laureus Award, in the same category. In addition to earning her 5th U.S. National title, Richards-Ross’ name sits beside 6 of the 7 fastest times run in the world during the 2009 season, achieved while on the way to breaking the record for most 400m races run under 50 seconds with 39 sub-50 clockings and counting.
Richards-Ross blasted her way to winning a share of the $1million Golden League Jackpot for the 3rd time, remaining undefeated in all of the 6 event races this season. Sanya recently joined Lance Armstrong in the fight against Cancer on the Livestrong campaign, and was chosen to don a custom made Livestrong uniform and golden spikes at a recent competition. Sanya Richards-Ross is poised, proven, and eager to claim her seat on the throne as the Face of Track and Field.
In the 2008 Olympic Games 400m final, Richards earned Team USA’s fourth Olympic medal ever in the 400m dash and the first since 1984. Running the anchor leg for the 4x400m, when Richards-Ross took the baton, she trailed Russia by several meters. In a stunning finish, and one of the highest rated moments of the Beijing Olympics, Richards-Ross overtook Russia moving into first, turning in a 48.93 leg and crossing the line in 3:18.54, the fastest time in the world since 1993…Richards-Ross staked her claim at the top of the U.S. heap in the women’s 400 at the 2008 Olympic Trials, sprinting away to win by nearly 1 full second, running 49.89.
Achievements of Sanya Richards-Ross
- 2012 Double Olympic Gold Medalist, 400m, 4x400m
- 2012 U.S. National Outdoor Champion, 400m
- 2012 World Indoor Champion, 400m
- 2012 U.S. National Indoor Champion, 400m
- 2011 Inducted into The University of Texas’ Hall of Honor
- 2011 World Champion, 4x400m
- 2009 2-time World Champion, 400m, 4x400m
- American Record Holder~400m dash 48.70sec
- Most sub-50 400 meter races in history (45 and counting)
- 2009 IAAF World Female Athlete of the Year, Jesse Owens Award Winner
- 4-time Olympic gold medalist – 400m, 4x400m (’04, ’08, ’12), 400m bronze medalist (’08)
- 6-time USA Outdoor Champion (’03, ’05, ’06, ’08, ’09, ’12)
- 2007 2-time World Outdoor 4x400m gold medalist
- 2006 IAAF World Athlete of the Year, Jesse Owens Award winner
- 2005 World Outdoor silver medalist
- 2005 Visa Champion and Humanitarian Athlete of the Year
- 2003 NCAA 400m champion, USATF Youth Athlete of the Year
- 2002 World Junior 400m silver medalist; 2002 U.S. Junior 200m & 400m Champion
Awards won by Sanya Richards-Ross
- USA Track & Field Youth Athlete of the Year 2002
- Women’s Track & Field Athlete of the Year 2006
- Women’s Track & Field Athlete of the Year 2009
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Sanya Richards-Ross is winner of four Olympic Golds at 2004 Athens 4×400 m relay, Gold 2008 Beijing 4×400 m relay, Gold 2012 London 400 m, Gold 2012 London 4×400 m relay and five time World Championship Golds at 2003 Paris 4×400 m relay, Gold 2007 Osaka 4×400 m relay, Gold 2009 Berlin 400m, Gold 2009 Berlin 4×400 m relay and Gold 2011 Daegu 4×400 m relay. She also won World Indoor Championship Gold at 2012 Istanbul 400 m. She is in conversation with Namita Nayyar President Women Fitness.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You started running at the age of 7. At St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale you took part in in track and field and basketball. In 2002 you were named National High School Female Athlete of the Year, USA Track and Field’s Youth Athlete of the Year, and Track and Field News Women’s Prep Athlete of the Year. You reached the pinnacle of success by becoming Olympic Champion over 400m at the 2012 Games in London and also become tied as one of the most decorated female track and field Olympians of all time after anchoring the 4x400m relay team to gold for the 3rd consecutive time. What factors do you consider were responsible that made you achieve that?
Ms. Sanya Richards-Ross:
I believe there are many reasons I was able to achieve my goals including my faith, determination and work ethic, to name a few, but I would say the most important factor was my family and team support. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be an Olympic Champion but if it weren’t for the encouragement from my family, the motivation from my coaches, and support of my sponsors I wouldn’t be an Olympic Champion. I think encircling yourself with the right people make or break who we become.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you shall like to share?
Ms. Sanya Richards-Ross:
I do intense olympic lifting and very specific runs on the track along with core work and Pilates. My training changes throughout the year based on my goals. However I most regularly do lots of functional training including push ups, pull ups, dips, tons of core (crunches, weighted core, physio ball core etc..) I also do squats, lunges, bench press, shoulder press and other similar exercises.
- I do Pilates 1-2 times a week
- I do 500-1000 core exercises 5 days a week
- I also run on the track 5 days a week
- My runs include 10-12 200’s in 30 seconds, 2×600 in 1:45 or better.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Sanya Richards-Ross:
I am pretty strict on my diet.
I don’t eat red meats or pork.
I eat egg whites, oatmeal and fruits for breakfast and supplement throughout the day with protein shakes.
I eat a salad for lunch and usually grilled chicken or salmon for dinner.
I have a cheat day once a week and juice my fruits and veggies as much as I can.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding girl athletes who all are your fans, they shall like to know from you, what they should do for their climb to ladder of success in the field of women athletics ?
Ms. Sanya Richards-Ross:
It’s cliche but the truth is in order to be great you have to be committed to working harder than everyone else. There are no short cuts. Some say it’s a sacrifice, I say it’s an investment in your future. It’s never too early to start working hard, setting lofty goals and chasing them! I always say # Dream Big Then Chase It.
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Ms. Namita Nayyar:
How did you feel before and after your memorable win in the 400m at 2012 IAAF World Indoor Championships in 50.79 seconds at Istanbul, Turkey?
Ms. Sanya Richards-Ross:
I remember wanting to win the title so badly. I hadn’t run indoors in 6 years to that point and I wanted to start the 2012 season off right. I was a little nervous but confident! After the win I was overjoyed. I don’t take any of my victories for granted and was truly grateful to be able to check that box on my resume. It was a blessing.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You had injuries in 2010 and kept you out of running races. Then you had toe surgery and what should have been a two-month recovery was seven months.
You had hallux rigidus. Two bones in right toe were close and they would rub. It’s been a problem for five or six years and it got progressively worse. For the past few years, you been taping it and taking shots to be able to compete. You finally had surgery to run pain-free. How you were able to overcome this physical injury/setback and what advice you can give to fellow sports person in a similar situation?
Ms. Sanya Richards-Ross:
It has not been easy. It’s really hard being sidelined by an injury when you feel like your best days are still ahead of you. However this setback has only made me realize how much I love to run and given me new motivation to be my best. I would say to someone going through a similar situation not to give up. It’s in overcoming obstacles that we find our greatest strengths.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You won gold at the 2012 London Olympics in 400m by overtaking the competition in the last 50 meters of the race. Elaborate your experience on this exceptional performance?
Ms. Sanya Richards-Ross:
It was my absolute dream come true. I was denied in 2008 and it was the lowest point of my career. I worked harder than ever in 2012 and when it paid off it that made me the happiest girl in the world. I remember the last 50 meters telling myself “I REFUSE TO LOSE,” over and over. The race really slowed down for me and the line seemed to take forever to come but the feeling of pure joy upon crossing the line is hard to describe.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
In 2011 you were inducted into The University of Texas’ Hall of Honor. You won the 2009 and 2006 IAAF World Female Athlete of the Year, Jesse Owens Award Winner, Humanitarian Athlete of the Year 2003 NCAA 400m champion and USATF Youth Athlete of the Year. What responsibility this award bestow upon you in your future efforts and activities in the field of athletics?
Ms. Sanya Richards-Ross:
It is always a great feeling to be recognized for your efforts. However I do understand that awards bring tremendous responsibility. I am happy to be an ambassador of my sport and the University of Texas. I do my best to be a great role model and a good example for those that will come after me.
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Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Who has been your biggest influence and motivation in your path to success?
Ms. Sanya Richards-Ross:
This is a tough question. It’s impossible to name one. I’ve been tremendously influenced my different people at different times. My parents at a young age to work hard and never give up. Merlene Ottey when I started running in Jamaica because of her grit, positivity and poise. Jackie Joyner Kersee, as I got older, for her passion and humanity. Tatyana McFadden for her unbelievable spirit and excellence. I see myself in so many people and they all inspire me to be my best.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have been associated with Lance Armstrong in the fight against Cancer on the Livestrong campaign, and was chosen to don a custom made Livestrong uniform and golden spikes at a recent competition. This association has been dear to your heart, tell us how you have been able to achieve and quench your thirst of giving back to the society through this endeavor of your?
Ms. Sanya Richards-Ross:
I was excited to be a part of the Livestrong Cancer campaign because I have quite a few family members that have been affected by this devastating disease. It’s an epidemic that has touched almost every family I know. Anything that I can do to raise awareness, funding and ultimately help towards a cure is my duty!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
With exceptional hard work you are credited with all your achievements. “I would say my faith plays the biggest role in my success,” You told The Christian Post. “If I weren’t an avid Christian and believed that God was always working in my life, I don’t think I would have had that moment in 2012.” Do you believe that does the hand of Providence (Supreme Being) played a role in your success?
Ms. Sanya Richards-Ross:
My faith is the most important part of my life, sports and everything that I do. I believe I was given my gifts from God and what I do with them is my gift back to Him. I believe all things happen together for our good and I am a part of a bigger plan. I walk by faith and pray that my life is a blessing to others.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What you wish to say about the website Womenfitness.net and message for its visitors?
Ms. Sanya Richards-Ross:
Thank you ‘Women Fitness’ for giving me an opportunity to share my story. It’s wonderful what you’re doing highlighting so many great women and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Sports has brought me so many joys but has also been one of my greatest teachers. Sports and fitness are so important and I am happy that this site is dedicated to that and women!
To know more about Sanya Richards-Ross: Check out at: http://www.sanyarichardsross.com
To the know the latest about her, check her out at her social network:
- https://twitter.com/sanyarichiross
- https://www.facebook.com/sanyarichards
- http://instagram.com/sanyarichiross
Women Fitness Team thanks Sanya Richards-Ross for giving her valuable time for this interview and quenching the thirst of her fans to know more about her and shall also like to thank Yolande Kelly who made this interview happen.
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All content on this site is copyright of Women Finess and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http://www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.