As soon as the conversation begins, it’s apparent that Sanya Richards-Ross is a runner and focused. After running in London and winning big in the summer Olympics, she strides right into why she chose to write Run With Me, designed for Middle School and High School Students. She answers each question with clarity and passion.
MM: Good Afternoon, thank you so much for your time. You’ve done a lot, so why write a book?
SR: “I always wanted to do it, I just never had the time until I retired from running. One of the greatest gifts that we can give to ourselves is sharing our own life journey.”
One of the greatest gifts that we can give to ourselves is sharing our own life journey.
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MM: You’ve been running since you were 7. How did your upbringing in Jamaica help you in life?
SR: “It was the best of both worlds as an athlete, growing up in Jamaica and Ft. Lauderdale. In Jamaica, they shut down everything for track and field and here in American I was coached by some of the best people.”
MM: I work with student pastors who love teenagers. How can they encourage athletes?
SR: “There is a connection between God and sports, I don’t buy into the notion that God doesn’t care about sports. A youth pastor or pastor can encourage students when they are going through tough times playing sports.”
MM: You talk about your dad in the book, what does he mean to you?
SR: “He means so much to me, especially now that I’m about to become a mom.” He led the charge in my life to make sure that I became the person that I am today.”
MM: You accepted Christ when you were 13, what do you remember about that?
SR: “When I moved to America, my aunt was influential in my spiritual life. I moved here when I was 12 and became involved in the church that I attended with her. I can remember the pastor giving the altar call experience and knowing that I needed to take the step and accept Christ. The youth ministry was very influential in my spiritual life.”
MM: You’ve always been goal and vision focused. Why?
SR: “I’ve always wanted to be the best that I could be. So, I would say that some of my drive is a natural drive. I was also nurtured to have vision and focus from my parents. My parents were always there.”
MM: What is your rhythm with God?
SR: “Finding Rhythm with God to me means that I am always checking in with him. There have been times in my life I felt like I was running ahead of God.”
MM: How does it feel to be an Olympic champion?
SR: “I’m still trying to figure it out. (laughing) There are times that it feels like a fairytale. It really is about setting goals in your life and achieving it.”
MM: What do you like about running?
SR: “I feel like I was born to run. I am thankful that God gave me the ability to run. When you’re doing what you were created to do it comes naturally. Running is my time of worship back to God. I learn so much about God when I am running. It has taught me so much about myself and God.”
MM: You said you started with the end in mind with this book, can you explain that?
SR: “Yeah, we forget that the father has a bigger picture for us and when we know that we can trust Him and His plan.”
MAINA MWAURA loves to guide student leaders. He is the husband of Tiffiney and has a two-year-old daughter name Zyan. Maina, lives in the Atlanta area and is the mobilization pastor at West Ridge Church. Check out more info at MAINASPEAKS.COM
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