Richards-Ross to retire after Rio

Jamaican-born American representative Sanya-Richards-Ross has revealed that she will retire after the Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

In a post on her Instagram account, the 31 year old Richards-Ross said after over a decade of indescribable successes, Rio will mark the end of her 12th and final season.

She said she has worked tirelessly to recover following her third foot surgery in November 2015. She added that she has put her blood, sweat and tears into the career of her dreams and she is excited to celebrate with one final lap around the world. 

Richards-Ross had the opportunity to represent Jamaica at the 2002 World Junior Championships in Kingston but she decided to represent the United States.

She went on to win Olympic 400 metres gold in London 2012 to add to her 2009 world title. Overall she has won four Olympic and five World Championship gold medals, the majority coming in the 4x400m relay.

She also holds the North America, Central America and Caribbean (NACAC) record at 48.70 seconds in the 400 metres.