Behind all the glitz and glamour of sports, there is an ugly side that very few people like to discuss. For the MAJOR sports in America, it isn’t as big of an issue as there are unions that protect the athletes, but for the smaller sports, we feel it bad!

The nature of track and field keeps the athletes divided, we train in different places, have different coaches, compete against one another, therefore making it EXTREMELY difficult for us to come together on issues that affect us all.

The issue I’m referring to is that of AGENTS!!!

Why is it that the majority of agents believe once they have met you, they deserve to take a percentage of everything you earn now and in the future? This is usually someone that comes into the picture long after the hard work has been done and only wants to reap the financial benefits. They weren’t there for the five days a week of running, the 1000 abs each day, the Pilates sessions, the long drives to training, the weight room sessions, the counseling after defeat, nothing, yet when the money comes they believe they deserve it all!!!!

Most athletes sign contracts with agents at a young age. There is no protocol in place and the excitement of finally being paid to do what you love to do, clouds your judgment. After seeing the figures and fantasizing about your first car or home, you skip through the 30 pages of legal mumbo jumbo to sign your name.

However when you start working, you quickly realize your needs. You realize you will need more than someone just booking your flights and negotiating your deals, you need someone who can offer his expertise to help you accomplish your goals. Someone who cares enough to come to your workouts, to sacrifice his or her time and energy to see you succeed, not just take a percentage of all your earnings.

The IAAF, which is our governing body, only allows an agent to have a contract with an athlete for one calendar year. Allowing you to evaluate, and make changes if necessary. However, they don’t regulate the contracts they give to us, allowing them to give athletes contracts that indebt us to them for a lifetime.

Yes, most people see our earning potential as extraordinary, but let me quickly give you the breakdown of how much we put out to earn a living. I can’t speak for everyone but here are a few of my expenses.

I pay my track coach and my weight coach. I pay a percentage to my current managers. I have a full time physio that travels to all my meets. I have a Pilates instructor. Above all that, I have a home in Waco, Texas, where I have a whole host of bills I am responsible for. I drive 100miles to Waco each week, so lets not forget my gas! Then of course I must pay taxes and my tithe. Leaving me with a small percentage of what I actually generate.

Now why would someone that got me a deal, that I would have gotten with or without them, believe that they should be paid beyond the time they worked for me?

It blows my mind that these kinds of people exist. People that want to watch you work as hard as you can and then take it away.

Now I am not against having an agent, as I believe that they are absolutely necessary in order for an athlete to be able to focus on what’s most important. However I don’t believe it is moral or legal for someone to give you a contract that allows them to be paid indefinitely whether they work for you or not! It’s actually an absurd idea. I can’t get my contract with Nike, not run for two years, and sue them for my earnings!!! WHAT EARNINGS?!?

I am currently being sued by an agent, someone I once had a great deal of respect for. I speak out not just for myself but for so many athletes, in track and field, that have been in similar situations and for the athletes to come!!!

I sincerely hope things can change so that no one else will have to go through this…..

It was an amazing event and I have attached video and pictures so you all can see!

I won World Athlete of the Year along with Usain Bolt!

The event was live in Jamaica and Europe but unfortunately not in the States….

Well now you get a sneak peak into the event….below are the pictures

and watch the video at

Watch Sanya win World Athlete of the Year

Hello Beautiful….

There is no greater feeling than giving back!

Two years ago, along with Andrew Post, we started a program in Jamaica to improve literacy of high school kids. I felt really strongly about doing something because I always had so much pride in the Jamaican school system. When I heard that illiteracy was rapidly increasing and kids were falling behind in school, I was shocked and burdened to do something.

I remember when I was in school in Jamaica. I went to Vaz Preparatory School, what I think was one of the best prep schools in Kingston. The teachers were excellent and did whatever it took to get all of us to learn. We had excellent reading, math, and spelling skills and when I moved to the States I was very well prepared. I was younger than most of the kids in the 8^th grade and the principal wanted my sister and I to repeat the grades we just completed because we were too young. My parents wouldn’t allow it and asked that they test our learning abilities before holding us back. We passed the tests with ease, and for the first couple months my sister and I were the outstanding students of the month, every month!

I’ve always said that I felt I had the best of both worlds, athletically and academically, being in Jamaica for the first half of my life and now being a citizen of the US. I appreciate every opportunity I’ve had growing up and I know if it weren’t for the amazing foundation I received, mainly from my parents, but also from the structure, discipline, and education I received while in Jamaica, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

When I visited the school and looked at the young girls and boys I remember my days there so vividly. I remember not having a care in the world. I feel children should have the opportunity to go to school, get a great education, and be prepared to take advantage of whatever opportunity comes their way.

Right now the Sanya Richards Fast Track Program hopes to improve kids reading skills as well as involve them in physical activities. We started at one school and now the program in installed in five high schools in Kingston. I am very proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish so far and hope to do so much more for these kids and others in the future.

If you’d like to help, write runwithsanya@sanyarichards.net

Or read more at http://jamaica.fun4kidz.org

Until next time….

Sanya

Let us introduce you to the real-life version of Love & Basketball – New York Giant’s cornerback Aaron Ross and his fiancé, athlete Sanya Richards.

Sports sexiest couple recently modeled exclusively for DrJays.com to debut Sean John’s Holiday ‘09 collection, which includes the relaunch of the brand’s new women’s line.

Aaron, 27, is a Super Bowl XLII champion, while Sanya, 24, is the “fastest woman in the world” – the world’s top-ranked female 400m runner, winning gold medals at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games.

Check out the very cute video of the couple speaking on their six-year long relationship, what keeps them together and much more, under the jump:

Sanya and Aaron DrJays.com video of shoot

Aaron and Sanya’s Sean John photo shoot will debut on DrJays.com on Thursday, December 3.

After missing the first nine games of the season with a severe hamstring strain “Ross” (as he’s affectionately called by his girl) is poised to make his 2009 debut this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. C’mon Giants!

Check out www.DrJays.com for full article

Sneak Peak of Ross and I at the DrJays.com photo shoot previewing the 2009 Holiday Sean John Collection

Check out www.DrJays.com for pics coming soon…..

We had a blast on our vacation in Jamaica

For a glimpse watch and see…

Full Video: Sanya in Jamaica

For all my videos: www.youtube.com/sani400

With five months to go until my wedding I have experienced some things I didn’t expect! Planning a wedding can be challenging and rewarding all at the same time. Here are some of my experiences so far:

UP: MARRIAGE COUNSELING
A MUST! We started our counseling with the pastor who will be marrying us or just “our pastor” and it has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences we’ve had so far. He’s made us think through some challenging scenarios and explained to us the roles of a man and a woman in marriage. So many people get coached or trained to do other things and neglect getting guidance before making the most important commitment of their life!

DOWN: BRIDESMAIDS
I thought I had this section well under control as I have lots of friends, great friends, but if its not one thing it’s the next! From unexpected pregnancies, to difficulties finding a dress that is flattering on everyone, this has been one of the biggest challenges so far!

UP: PICKING MY DRESS
Much easier than I anticipated! I tried on Vera Wang, Pnina Tornai and Lazaro to name a few, and after trying on almost every dress in the stores I went with a St. Pucci original that is simply breathtaking! I can’t wait for Ross to see me walk down the aisle!

DOWN: TRIMMING THE NUMBERS
Having so many people that are meaningful in our lives it’s tough drawing the line. With lots of family members and friends from high school, college, track and field, football, Church, Florida, Texas, Jamaica, it seems like the list never ends! Where do we draw the line? Do our high school friends get to bring their new friends? (I think one more outrageous example to drive this home would be nice, but not a must…like….Can a friend of a friend, of a friend, bring a friend we’ve never met before?)…..I think that’s going a little too far, but trust me, they ask!!!

UP: GET A WEDDING PLANER
If you can, get a wedding planner. Every time I feel a bit overwhelmed I call my planner, Donnie Brown, and everything is under control! It’s a great feeling knowing that you have someone that has done it a million times and can guide you to help make your special day as flawless as possible!

DOWN: KEEPING SECRETS
Ross and I love to surprise each other, but it seems like nothing stays a secret! I have my plans and I know he has his. However, so far everything seems to leak! I hate that, I don’t want him to know everything….I want to keep a few tricks up my sleeve for our big day!

Stay tuned for more updates on everything about our upcoming wedding…

There are so many beautiful things about the African American race, like our beautiful skin tones, our amazing skills and talents, our aggressive competitive nature, our strong spirituality, our dedication to the ones we love, but there is a glaring problem that we must take responsibility for and change!

All violence is wrong and should end, but it is heart wrenching to continue to hear of innocent black people dying at the hands of their brother.

Now I am no fool and I understand the plight of a black man, I understand the conditions under which some black men are forced to live, but does it give them the right to be so angry and to kill? Too many African Americans believe that somehow they were wronged or the system is keeping them down, but that mentality only perpetuates the same situations and circumstances we are already in. So many have come before us to allow us equal rights as our counterparts and we are still making excuses. Our circumstances are only made worse by our perspective. If we can change our perspective we instantaneously change our circumstances. Now this is not to down play our past, instead I write this in hopes to change our future.

Here’s a story…..

I sat on the plane with a man whose father chose not to be in his life. His mother was forced to raise him and his brothers alone, and had difficulties keeping a job and providing for the boys. She did the best she could, but her children were forced to live in rough communities and get jobs at a young age to help keep the family afloat. The gentleman I sat next to, went to school, did well enough to earn a scholarship, and eventually became a doctor. He was headed to India to do research and provide free medical care! Now after reading this story you may think it was an African American man, but it wasn’t! It was a Caucasian man that believed that his situation was only temporary. He believed that it was only a matter of time before he would be doing something that would change his financial situation and forever bring him out of poverty!

Now why is this? Why did this man KNOW that things would change? We could say a lot of things……but the number one reason was his perspective!

Too many of us believe that our current situation is a definite indicator of our future. We don’t see it as a temporary place from which we WILL grow! If we continue to believe that we must live in the ghettos because our parents lived there, or because that’s where we belong, we will forever be an angry race blaming others for our situations.

A.J Jewell and Derrion Albert did not have to die, and even though I wasn’t at either scene, I already know what happened! I’ve seen it over and over again. Black men that care more about their shoes than the value of another human life! They care more about their reputation of being a thug than taking the high road and doing what’s right. We also must stop robbing one another for personal advancement. There are so many ways to make money in America and none of us have an excuse to steal or kill to provide for our families or for ourselves.

We must unite on this issue and change our perspective. Now I understand this is a major issue and I don’t want to simplify it by saying that we all can just change our circumstances in a day, but we are a beautiful race full of potential. When we all truly believe that, then and only then, will we reach our goals. We must realize that as we kill or steal from our brothers we essentially kill the spirit of our entire race!

There is something so special about loving a man, the right man!

I’m so lucky  to be in love with an amazing man. We’ve been together for six years and I fall in love with him more and more each day. He’s made me a better person and added all his good traits to me, or at least the ones I’m mature enough to change. Here are some of the things that have made our relationship work.

VALUE YOUR MAN
No matter how much time has passed you should always make your man feel valued. Let him know how great he is, he has to be doing something right, that’s why you’re with him! Make him know you value his opinion, his dedication to you or his work, his clean look….whatever!

KEEP IT UP
Whatever it is, if you did it to get him, you better do it to keep him. Continue getting your hair and nails done. Throw on one of your hottest outfits every now and then. It’s important that you keep him attracted to you! If you don’t someone else will!!!

MAKE HIM MISS YOU
My job takes me all over the country and away from my honey for weeks at a time. Although I always miss him so much, the saying is so true, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Every time I see him after a long trip, its like seeing him for the first time! Don’t think you always have to be with your man, give him a chance to miss you……it’s always worth it!

MAKE ONE OF HIS HOBBIES YOURS
All men like their space and their guy time, but every now and then, its nice if you pop in. Learn his favorite video game and surprise him with your new moves. Men love when you pay attention and he will feel really special that you took the time.

LOVE IS A CHOICE NOT A FEELING
You won’t wake up everyday and feel madly in love but it doesn’t mean that you’re not in a great relationship. Remember when he comes home everyday he choses to be with you! Don’t fuss and fight over the small things…..he could be anywhere and he wants to be with you!

FALL BACK
As women of color, I think this may be the hardest thing to do, but it may be the most important. Yes, we usually make everything happen, but we have to know when to fall back and let him take the lead. There can be two eyes, two hands, and two feet, but there can only be ONE HEAD!

I won’t boast to be an expert in relationships by any means or do I believe I have the perfect one, but I must say I have loved being and growing in mine! Of course we have our bad days but when you’ve found the right one, like the songs says, “I’d rather  have hard times with you, than good times with someone else!”

My name is Sanya Richards and at 24 yrs old I almost feel like I’m living a dream. This season after already being a two-time Olympic Champion at the 4×400m relay, and running the fastest 400m in US history, I claimed my first World title. It was an amazing experience and left me knowing that hard work and patience really do pay off.

Track and field has always been one of my greatest passions and because of it I have been taught some of life’s most valuable lessons, I have been able to make a great living, and I have become a citizen of the world! It’s a huge part of who I am but it doesn’t define me. I have lots of interests and things I enjoy investing my energy in!

So here’s a little more about me:

First and most important, I am a Christian that believes God is in control of all things. I believe that everything happens in His perfect timing and according to His will.

I am also madly in love with my college sweetheart! We’ve been together for six years and are planning our wedding for my 25th birthday in February. We’re working with famed wedding planner Donnie Brown from “Whose Wedding is it Anyways?” He’s been amazing! If the dress I’ve chosen is any indication of how my wedding is going to be, two words, MIND BLOWING!

I have an amazing family that supports me in everything I do. My parents are my managers and I am part owner of my sister’s salon and beauty supply store in Austin, Texas.

I love everything about fashion, trends, and music! I am probably one of the few athletes that care more about matching and looking pretty than comfort!

However, as we all know life always has a way of throwing us a curve ball and I have definitely had my fair share of disappointments on and off the track. In 2007 I was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease called Behcets Syndrome. It is very rare in African American women and causes skin lesions, mouth ulcers, joint pain, and fatigue. It has been my greatest challenge balancing my health with my training and competitions, but by the Grace of God and great doctors I have still been able to do what I love to do at a high level.

Well this is only a glimpse into who I am…..I look forward to blogging on Hello Beautiful a site that caters to women just like me

Stay tuned…..