The 2024 Paris Olympic Games are here, and it’s time to cheer on global athletes as they compete for the right to call themselves the best in the world. For former track & field Olympian Sanya Richards-Ross, this moment also brings back memories of her days as a powerhouse 400m runner for Team USA.
Winning the gold medal at the 2012 games, Richards-Ross made history as the second American woman to take first in the event at the Olympic Games and the first American woman to earn multiple 400m titles globally. Needless to say, the Kingston, Jamaica-born runner knows a thing or two about what it takes to be a dominating world athlete.
With the big games coming up, EBONY caught up with the mom of two during the 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy to talk all things track and field—which included her pick between her homeland (Jamaica) and her former team (USA).
“Paris is going to be very, very good. I’m excited for Team USA. Listen, the Americans are going to have a treat watching Noah Lyles, Sydney Mclaughlin-Levrone and so many others,” the runDisney ambassador told EBONY in Orlando. “There are so many superstars on Team USA. With the sport, it tends to be cyclical. You have the times when Team USA is dominate and times when Jamaica is on top. But this is going to be Team USA’s year. It’s been trending for them to dominate in the sprints. So, get your popcorn ready for a great show.”
Of course, it can’t be easy to pick between two countries that are equally near and dear to your heart. But as someone who has been in the shoes of these athletes—not once, but three times—Richards-Ross’ has true insider’s knowledge.
Former women’s 400m Olympic medalist Sanya Richards-Ross. Image: DeAnna Taylor.
“I appreciate both talents. I never feel like I have to take sides. Of course, I competed for Team USA so I always want to see them do well. But I love watching all the talents. Like seeing Shelly-Ann Frasier-Pryce compete in her last Olympics. I’m excited to see what she does in the women’s 100m race and the 4x100m relay. Seeing the young talent from Jamaica come up takes me back to my younger days competing there. I cheer for both teams but obviously want to see Team USA do well because that was my team.”
Competing in any major event can be tough and comes with lots of added pressure. Now factor in being on the world’s largest sporting stage with millions of folks far and wide watching, and it can, at times, be overwhelming. However, for many of these athletes, it is also the most exciting time of their lives and career. We will literally watch them go after their dream while doing the very thing they love and train for, day in and day out.
According to the former women’s 400m Olympic medalist, it’s all about sticking to your routine and training in times like this. No need to add anything new, just go out and do what you’ve been doing.
“Keep the same things that got you there. I know it’s hard to say it’s just another race,” Richards-Ross advises. “When I look back on my career, I wish I would have thought of it that way. You make it so big and put so much pressure on yourself. But it truly is just another race and you get to go out there and do what you were born to do, what you’ve been preparing for all this time. As much as you can, make it as small in your mind as possible—that’s what I would tell my younger self for sure.”
