Vaz holds 'a special place' in Sanya's heart

Raymond Graham, Gleaner Writer

WORLD Championships 400 metres champion, Sanya Richard-Ross, took time out of her busy schedule to facilitate her annual dedication to her alms mater, Vaz Preparatory, whose track team is preparing for next month's Inter-Prep Schools' Track and Field Championships.

Richards-Ross imparted some of her skills, as well as words of wisdom, to the youngsters at their training session at neighbouring Lucas Oval yesterday afternoon.

The star athlete was accompanied to the session by her husband, New York Giants NIL player Aaron Ross, along with his parents, Archie and Sharon.

"I am happy to be back at Vaz Prep because this school has a special place in my heart, because this was where it all began," said Richards-Ross, who pointed out that the institution played the most important part in her track and field career.

"You guys are very fortunate and you must all take advantage of this situation and you must keep working hard and listen to your coaches, teachers and parents, because they want the best for you because they really love you and want you to be successful," she said.

"Tell yourself that nobody is better than you, and once you believe in yourself, you will be successful," she continued.

confidence

Richards-Ross recalled her early days at Vaz, when she only wanted to compete in two events, but was encouraged by her coaches to do more because of her talent.

"I remember when I only wanted to do the 100 and 150 metres, but the coaches wanted me do the 100 and 300 metres, but I did not want to do the 300 metres. But coach Cover Simpson called my father and told me that they wanted me to do it, and although I cried, I was encouraged to do so and I broke the record at Prep Champs because I ran so fast they could not even believe. Because my coaches had confidence in me, it paid off, and so I want you all to have the same confidence in your coaches," said Richards-Ross, who now competes for the United States.

When asked by one of the Vaz students why she competed for the United States and not Jamaica, she said: "Although the decision to compete for the USA was the best at the time for myself and my family, I will never forget my roots in Jamaica."

She also spoke of the Sanya Richards Foundation.

"I started the Sanya Richards Fast Track Foundation several years ago, which involves 10 high schools in Jamaica, and this encourages students to come and read and have one-on-one interaction with them. I am happy for this as it has reached out to hundreds of students, which I think has made a difference in their lives," she noted.