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Entertainment July 22, 2017
She's more than just an Olympian.
In 2008, Sanya Richards-Ross had it made. She was a track star who found herself competing in the Olympics and was already a five-time gold medalist.
These wins earned her a whopping $2.5 million dollar net worth and captured sponsors like Nike and Citibank.
To celebrate her accomplishments, here are five things you should know about this inspiring athlete.
Sanya Richards-Ross was born on Feb. 26, 1985 in Kingston, Jamaica. But as much as she loves her culture, she competes for America. In an interview with Caribbean Today, Ross said that the decision to compete for the United States instead of Jamaica was not an easy one to make.
“Yes, I do … Unfortunately, I had to make a choice, right. So I guess I did,” she said. “But I never chose not to be Jamaican. I compete for the United States and I’m an American citizen, but I’m still a Jamaican-American.”
She continued, “I’ve been given so many amazing opportunities, being a part of Team USA, which I’m so grateful for. But I know my foundation is from Jamaica – my education, my desire, my drive, they all come from my Jamaican roots.”
If you thought your workout was hard, think again.
When asked about her workout regime for training, Ross described it to be hardcore.
“Our workouts are really intense. I do five days on the track, and earlier in the year I go for longer runs. For me, that’s about 30 minutes, progressively. I get back on the track, do 200 meters, then repeat with 400 meters,” she told The Los Angeles Times. “They are all done to get faster and stronger. I do a lot of weightlifting … I also do a lot of core work: 500 to 1,000 sit ups every day.”
In 2003, Aaron Ross and Sanya Richards-Ross met at the University of Texas where they were both studying. The couple then went on to marry in 2010. Aaron Ross became an NFL football player and Sanya Richards-Ross became a track superstar.
Ross told Essence that getting married only made her and Aaron Ross’s connection much stronger.
“You feel more secure in your relationship, and you know that nothing is going to be a big blowup because you’ve promised each other that you will work on it for life,” she explained. “Marriage has definitely given me the sense of security that I’ve always wanted to have with Ross.”
In 2013, Ross decided to be featured in her own reality show. The show was entitled “Sanya’s Glam and Gold” on the We TV network.
Ross told USA Today that she always knew that her family would always be destined for reality TV.
“I always thought my family was made for TV … We’re consistently fighting over who is the bigger boss,” she said.
The show went on to air for one season.
In the book entitled “Chasing Grace,” Sanya Richards-Ross explains that she was at the height of her career and she did not see any other choice but to have an abortion.
“I made a decision that broke me, and one from which I would not immediately heal,” she wrote. “Abortion would now forever be a part of my life. A scarlet letter I never thought I’d wear. I was a champion – and not just an ordinary one, but a world-class, record-breaking champion. From the heights of that reality I fell into a depth of despair.”
Unfortunately, Ross revealed in an interview with Sports Illustrated Now, that this type of situation is not uncommon for female athletes.
“The truth is, it’s not really an issue that’s talked about – especially in sports, a lot of young women have experienced this,” she said. “I literally don’t know another female track and field athlete who hasn’t had an abortion – and that’s sad.”
But even after all this, Sanya and her husband are doing all they can do: keep moving forward. In fact, the couple is expected to have a baby soon. In an interview with People, Ross said, “We are so excited to start a family and can’t wait to begin this new adventure!”
We’re excited for you too, Sanya! We wish you and your growing family the best.
