Page 71 - Demo

www.MOSTmag.com || FITNESS MAG A ZINE || 71Winning gold in 2012 was a surreal experience for Richards-Ross. %u201cI wanted it for so long, put in so many hours, and gone through so many ups and downs. It was gratifying to know that when you work hard and stay persistent, your dreams really can come true.%u201d Years of training and preparation boiled down to a race counted in seconds. %u201cFor the forty-nine seconds it took to run the race, it took me almost an hour to complete my victory lap. I had family, friends, neighbors, and loved ones who wanted to celebrate in my victory.%u201d Richards-Ross conveys that the experience was so special because she was able to share it with her family. Not only has Sanya participated in the 400m, but she has competed in the 4x400 relay for the past three consecutive Olympics. Sanya explains that, %u201cYou are strong on your own, but you are so much stronger when you step out with your teammates.%u201d Track and Field can be a selfish sport, where you are constantly working for yourself and thinking about the individual gold. However, being on a relay team has given Sanya the amazing opportunity to team up with three other amazing women who are just like her, focused, determined, and very talented at what they do. For Sanya, being a part of the 4x400 team has built her confidence and allowed her to see that competing is about much more than herself. Sanya explains, %u201cAs much as I want to win, I want to see my teammates do well, and it is about that medal count for Team USA.%u201d She says there is a type of team camaraderie across the board as the swimmers and gymnasts will cheer for the track athletes as they all try to work bring home the most hardware for Team USA.By: Elizabeth Price>>>