Olympic Sprinter Sanya Richards-Ross’ Run With Me is an Inspiring Autobiography
We love screaming “RUN” at the television as Olympic sprinters dash across the track, each vying for the coveted gold medal. Every four years, we are glued to the screen in our living room, jumping and cheering in anticipation. The Olympics carry with them such a tradition of determination, competition, and absolute courage. And no one embodies that more than Sanya Richards-Ross, who shares her story in her latest autobiography, written specifically for young readers. Run With Me, is the story of an amazing U.S. Olympic champion who didn’t just bring home one gold medal for her country, but rather four in her career in the sport of track-and-field. When we heard she was telling her story, my eight-year-old daughter couldn’t wait to read the story behind the fastest American woman in history in the 400 meter race.
Run with Me: The Story of a U.S. Olympic Champion
Hardcover
$12.11
$16.99
Run with Me: The Story of a U.S. Olympic Champion
Hardcover
$12.11
$16.99
However, what she didn’t expect, nor did I when we read it together, was to learn so much about the fascinating life this powerfully strong woman led to get to her success. Born and first a runner in Jamaica, Richards-Ross learned quickly that to believe in yourself meant working on more than just stamina and speed. It meant having a support system behind you to keep you focused on your goal. For Richards-Ross, that was her family, specifically her father, who coached her early on in her career. Her family supported her ambition so much they moved to America in order for her to pursue her dream of competing.
However, what she didn’t expect, nor did I when we read it together, was to learn so much about the fascinating life this powerfully strong woman led to get to her success. Born and first a runner in Jamaica, Richards-Ross learned quickly that to believe in yourself meant working on more than just stamina and speed. It meant having a support system behind you to keep you focused on your goal. For Richards-Ross, that was her family, specifically her father, who coached her early on in her career. Her family supported her ambition so much they moved to America in order for her to pursue her dream of competing.
Once in the states, after meeting her coach, Clyde Hart, Richards-Ross developed a plan to stay focused and on the straight and narrow. That plan included the 4 P’s—push, pace, position and poise. Although she admired runners like Marion Jones, she was determined not to use the help of drugs or performance booster aids in her career—especially because she was also dealing with an auto-immune disease while in the height of her career. These challenges made her rely not only on her family, but her faith.
Richards-Ross’s faith feels almost like a second character in this autobiography. Scripture passages begin each chapter, and there are strong overtones of spirituality throughout the book. It also touches on some mature topics, including abortion. These discussions are handled with dignity and tact, but this subject matter is still something to consider when reading with younger children.
The ups and downs of Richards-Ross’ life read easily and are fascinating to follow. She uses small sidebar boxes of information to draw the reader to a new idea or aspect of her life, which is great for keeping a reader’s attention. In the end though, her words of encouragement and hope, alongside her amazing story of determination and focus, will inspire kids, and teach them that even world-famous Olympic athletes were once their age, and that the only way to be big, is to dream big.
Is your young reader ready to be inspired by Sanya Richards-Ross’s story?