Although things didn’t go as planned I still had a wonderful experience in Beijing! It was an amazing city and they did a fantastic job hosting the Olympics. The village was the nicest I’d ever seen, the transportation was on time and clean, the volunteers were always very friendly and helpful, and not to mention the BIRD’S NEST!!! It was unreal. The most beautiful track and field structure I have ever seen. The intricate design, the attention to detail, the lights…….everything was breathtaking! I was disappointed, but to leave Beijing with two medals is actually a dream come true. So many of my peers came and left with nothing. It’s funny in 2004 I would have gave my right arm for a bronze medal and this year I was displeased. I know I was physically prepared for gold, but sometimes it takes time for our mental to catch up to our physical. I was overwhelmed! I let everything get to me. My lane draw, the meaning of the meet, the weight of my country…everything! If it had been a normal meet and I felt a cramp in my leg, I would have completed the race and told my coach about it after, but this time was different! I made it get the best of me and I panicked! I knew what was on the line and for about 13 seconds I allowed it to get me out of my game.

It’s over now and Christine and Shericka are the gold and silver medalists. I am thrilled for them because I know like me, they worked hard and prayed for this moment as well. Four years only seems far away now but I remember how quickly the last four passed and I just can’t wait, God willing, to have the opportunity again. I know there are a lot of meets and Championships in the interim and I hope to have success there as well. However right now I’m just counting my blessings and they far outweigh any negative I could think of!

Until next time……

It doesn’t get much better than this. I am currently in Dalian, about an hour away from Beijing by plane, and it is incredible to say the least! I am so fortunate to be part of a federation that would go to these lengths to help give all their athletes a clean, safe, and relaxing environment to prepare for the start of the Games.

I have been here since the 2nd and I have been able to enjoy all the amenities of this beautiful facility. There are three different tracks for us to train on, one for sprinters and jumpers, one designed specifically for the throwers, and a horse-shoe track for the distance runners. All these facilities were built within the last six months just for us.

Although that is unbelievable what is even more incredible is the 2000 security men and women looking after us. We never make a move without someone there. It is unreal how extensive the security is, almost like a human fence set up to keep us safe. As we drive back and forth from the track, there is a man or women, some uniformed others not, standing almost every 100 meters along the road side. Along with the physical protection, we are escorted by police, as they shut down the roads while we travel from each point.

There are also armed men set up on building tops at the track and around the hotel at all times. It is a major operation! A lot of people, especially the residence of the city, have made tons of sacrifices to have us here and we all greatly appreciate it.

Other amenities include a bowling alley in our hotel, a 60-seat movie room, ping-pong tables, pool tables, an athlete lounge area, a sauna, salon, and more. All these things really give us a chance to bond and feel like a family.

It’s always so much fun to be a part of the USA Team! You meet amazing new people, you cheer for each other in practice, and you become invested in everyone’s journey to success. I think it’s one of the best parts of track and field and I am honored to be an Olympian!

My training has been going really well and I am so eager to get started. As I write this entry, it is already August 7th here in China, just one more day until Opening Ceremonies. I opted not to go to the Opening Ceremonies this year, after participating in 2004. It is one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had but it just makes more sense for me to stay here and continue to train and head over to Beijing only one time, on the 11th, a few days before my preliminary round.

Stay tuned……

Although it is only July 30th, still nine days before the start of the Olympics and seventeen days before the start of the women’s 400m, at 4:30am this morning my Olympic journey began. Today I travel to San Jose for team processing, stay there for the night, then travel to Beijing on the 31st. I’ll only be in Beijing for a night before flying to Dalian for our training camp!

I could never truly explain to anyone how exciting a time like this is in my life! After 2004, if felt like 2008 would never come, but not only is it here, the Olympics are right around the corner and I am qualified in my main event, the 400m!

After my last few meets in Europe I was only in Austin for six days…six days that Coach Hart, Bruce Johnson, my strength coach, and Wendy LeBlanc-Arbuckle, my Pilates Instructor, squeezed in as much as they could possibly have me do. It wasn’t hard though, as I had more motivation than ever. What could pull me to the finish line quicker, allow me to throw the bar up faster, or do more Pilates hundreds, than knowing the Olympics are my next meet. No more waiting, no more anticipating…The journey has begun.

I’m overwhelmed with different emotions excitement, anticipation, nerves, disbelief, but most importantly I’m HUNGRY! I’m so happy to have this opportunity in a year when I’m healthy and prepared. I am the American record holder, a two-time Golden League Jackpot winner, an Olympic and World Championship gold medal relayist, but still not an individual gold medalist! ?I know if I execute my race this could be my year and I’m thrilled!

I’ll be giving updates from China as often as I can, but if not my race days are Aug 16, 17, with the FINALS on the 19th…Don’t miss it!!!

Til’ next time San

YEEEESSSSS!!!! One down one to go……

I know it’s only the first step, but without placing in the top three at the Olympic Trials my dream of going to the Olympics wouldn’t exist. I felt prepared, my rounds went perfectly, but after 2007, I just wasn’t 100 percent sure. The nightmares of a fourth place finish haunted my mind quite a few times but as quickly as they came I dispelled them with my overwhelming desire to go to the Olympics in my specialty event.  The weather at the meet had been incredible with warm days and mostly mild winds, but after the two-day break, the weather started to deteriorate a bit. It was much cooler and windier on the final than I would have liked and that played a huge role in my race strategy. I usually go out pretty fast and lead for the first 200m, but this time I didn’t. I think it made some people nervous but I knew by conserving a bit more during the second 100meters, I’d have the strongest finish. I had no idea that I won by one second - Mary Wineburg felt so close coming off the curve. I just kept my eyes focused on the finish line and on my goals. I was overcome with joy and a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders as I ran through the line! I’ve worked so hard to make this team and I can’t wait to go to Beijing!

I also feel so blessed to have such great sponsors that all believe in me. Nike gave me a special uniform to debut at the meet and I felt so honored to wear it. In the final I wore the swift gloves and swift socks that are made to reduce drag in the wind. I think they’re very effective but I also think they look incredible. The front of my uniform was also a tribute to the amazing print on the back of our Olympic uniform. Unfortunately it may be difficult to see because it’s blue on blue, but at least some people will continue to get a glimpse before the Games. I also felt the love and energy from my Coke family. They sent me encouraging letters everyday and I know it’s always a gamble when companies pick athletes before we even make the Olympic team and I’m so happy that so many companies did. AT&T also had a booth set up for me after the race that allowed tons of fans to come by and get autographs. Nike did the same the next day and I was overwhelmed by the number of people that waited in line to get my autograph. They were all so pleasant and had nothing but really nice things to say! The Nutrilite Company also sent me flowers before my preliminary round and sent their well wishes and hopes for another Olympic trip. The Hershey Company, and Q-Ray have been on board for a while and they are always wishing me the best. I always try to find reasons to run fast and accomplish my goals but this year it was made easy by all the wonderful people I met through these sponsorships. I know it’s just the beginning but I’ve learned to enjoy every victory and I am really enjoying this one!

Until next time……

The Olympic Trials are here! The feeling in the stadium and all around the city is indescribable. The desire for so many athletes to fill the three very coveted spots on the Olympic team is overwhelming. In just the first day there were already some shocking upsets with UCLA’s Nicole Leach hitting the seventh hurdle and failing to advance. Nicole Cook, Alysia Johnson and Kevin Hicks all missed the next round in the 800m after being almost sure entries in the finals. You could see the real disappointment on their faces as what they had worked so long for was slipping away. The trials are sudden death and everyone wants to be their best between now and July 6th because nothing before or after matters! You have to run your best race now, you don’t have to win but you have to be in the top three to have a chance to achieve your dream.

The women’s 100m, one of the most anticipated races of the meet as it has been so wide open, and hard to pick the top three, have exceeded my expectations. Marshevet Hooker leads the charge with a 10.76 wind-aided and Lauryn Williams, Torri Ewards, and Muna Lee are close behind with 10.8 performances. Of course you can’t count out Carmelita Jeter or Allyson Felix who had sub-11 performances as well. The finals take place this evening and even though six people go to Beijing in the 100m (some for the relay pool), everyone wants to be in the Top 3.

The men’s 400m hurdles had their first round and one of my best friends - Bershawn Jackson - made it look easy as he won and will compete again today in the semi-final round. Robert Griffin from Baylor also advanced.

I start competing on Sunday and I will have my final on the 3rd of July! I really can’t wait to have my chance to step on the track in front of this amazing crowd at Hayward field. The meet has been sold out for months and it shows. The fans filled the stands on the first day when only one final was scheduled to go off. Congrats to Shalane Flanagan, Kara Goucher, and Amy Begley, for making the team in the 10,000m. As I sat and watched yesterday I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to compete and have a real opportunity to make the US Track and Field Team. There is so much pressure and anticipation but no one wants it more than me. I’ve worked for this since 2004 and I have done my best to prepare myself for this moment. Every experience I’ve had so far, favorable or not, have made me a stronger competitor and I hope to show that on July 3rd!

I’ve been lucky to meet some really cool people over the past year. I’ve met Eva Longoria, Dr. J, Rick Ross, Sandy from Salt n Pepa, Kirk Franklin, Flavor Flav and others. I always love meeting people who you see on TV because they aren’t always the people they portray to be, or sometimes they are EXACTLY the same.I briefly interacted with Dr. J and Eva Longoria, they both seemed to be really cool and down to earth. Rick Ross was as laid back as he appears in his videos. He performed at the party I threw for Aaron Ross and Nichole Denby last year and he was really easy to work with. I told him exactly how I wanted him to make his entrance and he had no problems. The entire night he kept giving all three of us shout outs and he performed for longer than we agreed. I thought that was admirable and humble of him.

After his performance he hung out with us and stayed for most of the night. Sandy from Salt n Pepa is truly an amazing woman. She spoke at Bev’s Symposium after the Texas Relays and you could just tell that she had been through a lot, mostly huge success, but from every experience she has has grown tremendously. She seems to be a great friend, Mom, and wife.

Kirk Franklin is really nice too! He’s always at the Texas Relays because he is great friends with Jon Drummond but he is also a fan of track and field which I think is great! The funniest and most memorable interaction I had recently was when I ran into Flavor Flav in New York after the Reebok meet. He knew nothing about the meet but saw me in my uniform and asked me what I was there for. I told him about the meet and he said “that’s what’s up, I can smell that on you,” then he said “you know what else I smell on you a GOLD MEDAL!!!” I smiled and said, “From your mouth to God’s ears!”

Well today I want to help you make your dream a reality.

Every great athlete needs tons of things to get to the next level like an inspiring coach, a supportive family, a decent track and workout facility, and sufficient gear.

I can’t do much about the first three, but I can definitely help with gear!

I’ve been going through my closet and I’ve noticed that I have acquired so much NIKE gear over the past three years! I feel so fortunate to have such a great sponsor and I’d like to share some of my lightly worn gear with some deserving athletes. I’ve also asked Lauryn Williams, Nichole Denby, Marshevet Hooker, Me’Lisa Barber, and Carmelita Jeter and they’re excited to help.

I don’t want to limit this opportunity to just girls so I have also asked some of my male friends Bershawn Jackson, Wallace Spearmon, Tyson Gay, Jeremy Wariner, Darold Williamson, Sanjay Ayre, and Walter Davis to help as well.

To be eligible:

-You must be a student

-You must be a part of an organized track team

-You must also write an essay of at least 100 words explaining why you are most deserving of the gear.

send essays to runwithsanya@sanyarichards.net

or mail them to

PO Box 988

Round Rock TX 78680

Deadline June 25th

Thanks and look forward to hearing from you soon

Sanya Richards

I’m so fortunate to be a part of the Coke six pack, a group of Olympic Athletes that include: LeBron James, Natalie Coughlin, Andy Potts, Steven Lopez, and Shawn Johnson. I have formed such a great bond with all of them but the cutest of the bunch is Shawn Johnson. She is only 16 years old and we have hit it off so well. She is the defending World Champion in the all-around in gymnastics and is the favorite going into the Beijing games. She is so well composed for a teenager and extremely mature. She hasn’t lost her innocence and childish energy but to be so fierce in competition at that age is truly amazing to see. I couldn’t imagine going to the Olympics at 16 years old and being the favorite! I’d be a WRECK! She’s not, she’s confident and poised and I really wish her the best!

My other friends Natalie, the most decorated female athlete at the 2004 Olympics with two golds, two silvers, and one bronze is amazing also. Similar to track and field she has her trials in late June but I am positive she will do well and hopefully win more gold in Beijing! Andy Potts is amazing! He’s a tri-athlete and I don’t even want to think about the distances he runs, bikes, and swims! Its unreal. He still has to make his team and I have my fingers and toes crossed that he will get the last spot and represent the US in Beijing. Steven Lopez is a two time defending champion in Taekwondo and a heavy favorite to win again. Unlike the rest of us, he’s already on his team and is now just anxious to get to Beijing. His sister and brother have also qualified for the team and his oldest brother is the head coach. Talk about a family affair. Really cool and I wish him all the best! LeBron was a little busy with the NBA play-off thing , so he wasn’t with us this weekend, but I wish him continued success and hope he makes it all the way!

We will all be featured on the Coke Packaging and Minute Maid boxes, (I’ll be on Cherry Limeade and Tropical Punch) Keep an eye out! They hit grocery stores May 19th!!!

How lucky am I to have gone to the University of Texas! We have some of the best resources in the world and I am so fortunate to still have access to all of them. It is amazing to be able to workout in the same place as Chicago Bear’s Cedric Benson, Tennessee Titans’ Michael Griffin, athletes like Jamal Charles, Limas Sweed, Brandon Foster, and Marcus Griffin all entering this years draft. The guy in the back of the picture behind Cedric and I, is Bruce Johnson, our strength coach. He is an amazing coach and part of the reason that I have had so much success over the past few years. Missing from this picture is my honey New York Giants’ Aaron Ross, Minnesota Vikings’ Cedric Griffin, and Tennessee Titans’ Vince Yo ung. They are usually there with us but are currently with their teams for some early season training.

Texas is becoming a mecca for world class athletes and I am so happy to be a part of it. It is extremely inspirational to be able to workout with athletes of this caliber and we push each other all the time. Just the other day Cedric Griffin, Ross and I did speed work together and I am almost positive there are very few women in the world that get to train with guys like that!

Well, until next time…… keep reading!

10. Yao Ming regaining full health and prepared to compete for his country in Beijing

9. Dwayne Wade back 100%

8. The Texas Longhorns Men’s BBall team going all the way

7. Carolina Kluft going for her second heptathalon Olympic

6. Ronaldino being named footballer of the year again

5. A great replacement for Craig Masback as CEO of USA Track & Field

4. Nichole Denby, Lauryn Williams, Walter Davis, & Wallace Spearmon all making the Olympic Team

3. Bershawn Jackson winning a portion of the million dollar golden league Jackpot

2. Aaron Ross making it to the Pro Bowl in 2009

1. Me winning the 400m Gold in Beijing!