Although the camera crews in her garage five days a week made shooting a full-time job, Sanya loved the experience. Even though the show only had one season, Sanya wished it were able to have another season as it would have been great to see her life as she prepared for the 2016 Olympics. But, Sanya’s endeavors do not stop there explaining how she has always wanted to be an entrepreneur and has started a hair extension line and opened a salon with her sister, Shari. Sanya relishes in her love for beauty, admitting that having a sister as a stylist and her own hair extension line is a “plus plus.” Starting these ventures has allowed Sanya to figure out how to grow a business. Although Sanya and Shari are polar opposites, where Sanya dreams big, and Shari is slow and steady, it has allowed Sanya to learn patience, be more strategic, and appreciate a little growth. rom races in the heart of Beijing, China, to the flat valleys of Eugene, Oregon it is safe to say Sanya travels all over the world to compete. Sanya is able to rattle off a few of her favorite travel destinations which include Berlin, Rome, Paris, Zürich, and Eugene. She is often not able to experience the city as much as she would like because the athletes have to stick to their schedule. Sanya hopes to do more races in other parts of the world because she may stop competing after next year. Although Sanya loves traveling the world and experiencing different cultures, she wishes that Americans were able to see track and field athletes compete more often. As it turns out most of the races that are in the USA occur in the early season, where the athletes are not as fast, and the races are not as competitive. With discussions of Sanya’s Fast Track Program, SRR Clinic, hair extension line and salon, and competitions all around the world, MOST asked Sanya how she keeps it all together. Laughing in response to this question and
acknowledging that she is involved in a multitude of activities, she admits that it is not easy. “Some days when I am the best on the track I may not be the best wife or business partner, but I always try to remember my priorities.” Sanya considers herself lucky to have a family that supports her and a husband who understands the pressures of professional athleticism. Although Sanya involves herself in many activities, she believes that those other passions help her stay calm and fulfilled. “I am not the athlete that can just sleep and train all the time, I think I would go crazy.” When she does manage to get away from the hustle and bustle of her career, Sanya enjoys being at home and spending time with her husband. In 2010, Sanya married her college sweetheart, Aaron Ross. As a professional football player for the Baltimore Ravens, Sanya is grateful to have a husband that understands what she is going through. Aaron often says to her, “We love you not because of the outcome of the races but because of who you are.” Sanya is not shy in stating that they have a magical relationship because they are often apart due to traveling when they are together they maximize their time and do not fight much. After participating in the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Olympics, it is safe to say that Richards-Ross is a veteran to the games. She has been able to take lessons out of past Olympics that will aid her in preparing for 2016. The most important part is to not think about the importance of the games. She advises others, “Yes there are ninety-thousand people in the stands and even more back at home, but try to minimize those things and be in the moment.” In 2008, Richards-Ross was favored to win gold in the 400m and ended up receiving bronze. She says that because she was under a lot of pressure it made the task even more daunting. Therefore in 2012 Richards-Ross enjoyed the experience, had fun, spent more time with her family, and watched other competitions. >>>
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