5 Reasons Olympian Sanya Richards-Ross Motivates Me | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

5 Reasons Olympian Sanya Richards-Ross Motivates Me

Sanya Richards-Ross did not get to Rio for the 400m but she made it there.

23
5 Reasons Olympian Sanya Richards-Ross Motivates Me
postindependent.com

Sanya Richards-Ross may not have competed in the 2016 Olympic Games in the 400m but she made it to Cidade Maravilhosa (The Marvelous City) another way. The former Jamican-American track and field athlete who competed internationally for the United States did not qualify for her fourth games, but her love for broadcasting provided her the opportunity to be on the other side of her sport as she commentated the remainder of the Olympic Trials before flying to Rio de Janeiro to help cover the Olympic Games.

1. Her passion for the sport of track and field.

2 ½ weeks before Richards-Ross’s 400m Olympic qualifying race she received a grade-two hamstring injury running the 100m at a meet held in Atlanta. With about a four-six week recovery time frame, she wanted to give the race that she earned gold in during the 2012 London Games a shot.

Richards-Ross won the American outdoor time four years prior to this year’s games as she got a record-winning time of 48.70 seconds.

She did an interview with ESPN that exemplified her love for the sport of track and field while reflecting on her journey.

"I'll always remember how the crowd reacted," Richards-Ross said.

"Someone asked before the race how would I love to go out, and I said I would just enjoy the moment," she said. "To be able to run a half a victory lap here at Hayward Field for my final 400 that I didn't finish, I thought was pretty special."

In front of a crowd of 20,987 people at the University of Oregon’s historic Hayward Field, the 4-time Olympic gold medalist was encouraged for a successful career as she entered retirement.

2. Her style.

A trend of Richards-Ross is her side braid. When she stepped out on the track to compete she usually found a way to incorporate her signature braid into whatever hairstyle she had.

3. Her drive.

Sanya wants to be remembered for her determination.

She competes from within.

"I don't win every time I step on the track, so I don't deserve [today's] ovation because I'm always a champion. But I think they just see my heart and my determination and my desire to be a good person. Hopefully, they saw a little of God in me every time I stepped in the track,” she added.

This is exactly what I saw when I watched her compete.

Especially, during her last Olympic qualifying opportunity her love for track and field showed. I'm sure she left some level of disappointment, she did not get the outcome she wanted and left the sport that she has known practically all her life but as the old proverb says, "When one door closes, another one opens."

Richards-Ross joined NBC Olympics with Ato Boldon not even a week after retiring July 1, 2016. She was able to began her broadcasting career covering the sport that she dedicated her life to since age 7.

4. Team SRR

On her Olympic journey, Sanya has had a team of supports who assisted in her success and who are still by her side today - her parents and managers Archie and Sharon Ross, track and field coach Clyde Hart, strength and condition coach Bruce Johnson and sports psychologist Dr. Donald Corley.

5. Her skill set.

One may consider Richards-Ross as the “jack of all trades.” She had a reality television show called, "Glam and Gold" which aired July 25, 2013, on WE television network. She also owns a hair salon in Austin, Texas called, The Hair Clinic, has a hair extension line called, Rich Hair Collection, was Formula X’s color curator for June 2016 as she presented a nail polish collection consisted of three bright colors – Warrior “my blue,” Victory Lap “pearlescent gold,” and “Lioness” a bold purple.

In an interview with US Magazine Richards-Ross describes the meaning behind her collection.

"The common thread in this collection is the idea of excellence. I’ve always strived for excellence in what I do, and I want these colors to inspire you and drive you to do something big, bold and great,” she said.

These are only a couple of Richards-Ross' many accomplishments.

What can we expect from Sanya Richards-Ross next?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

15925
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6850
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5057
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4445
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments