American Record Holder Ready for One Final Season

By Scott Bush

Legendary sprinter Sanya Richards-Ross took to Instagram to announce 2016 would be her final season as a professional track and field athlete.

While the announcement is a bit surprising in its timing, Richards-Ross has enjoyed tremendous success for over a decade, won numerous Olympic and World Championship gold medals, set American records and become one of the defining personalities of the sport. She's an all-time great and 2016 seems like the perfect year to give it one last go.

Three Amazing Sanya Richards-Ross Moments

There are so many moments to remember from the career of Richards-Ross, and hopefully a few more memorable ones to add to the mix this year, but reflecting on her best performances, here are three of the best.

1. American Record - At the 2006 IAAF World Cup in Greece, Richards-Ross cemented her name in history, breaking Valerie Briscoe's long-standing record of 48.83 with a 48.70 gem. Briscoe's record had stood since 1984, a year before Richards-Ross was born, adding to the special nature of her accomplishment.
2. 2012 Olympic Gold - In 2004, Richards-Ross finished sixth place in the 400m final. In 2008, she won bronze in Beijing. While she earned gold medals in the 4x400m relays both years, 2012 saw Richards-Ross win her first individual Olympic gold medal in London.
3. 2004 Athens Olympics - Hello, world! The Athens Olympics were the world's introduction to Richards-Ross. The then 19 year old not only earned a spot in the 400m final, ultimately finishing sixth, but she helped Team USA to relay gold. Quite the feat for someone only two years removed from high school.