Four-time US gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross talks about representing the team at the Summer Olympics

We’re just a couple of weeks away from the 2024 Summer Olympics, and we at Essence are able to rejoice girls! That’s right, we have actually come a good distance by way of representation since the inaugural Olympics in 1896, and now, over a century later, the Olympics have grow to be the largest sporting event dedicated to gender equality worldwide.

In preparation for Paris 2024, Team USA hosted a media summit in New York, giving us a sneak peek at what’s to return. Black Women In Sports host Sharí Nycole sat down with four-time U.S. gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross to debate her growing family, preparing for the Olympics, and the way Black women are authentically taking over space this Olympic season.

“I’m so proud of how Black women are showing up in sports, being authentic, not feeling like they have to be this or that, but being completely authentic on and off the track.” Richards-Ross shared.

After retiring from track and field, the gold medalist decided to take her own advice for her latest enterprise, a line of Team USA pajamas.

“I thought this was a unique opportunity for me to combine all the things I love; I love creativity, coordination, design and of course I love the Olympic Games. We designed these pajamas with great care,” said Richards-Ross.

For updates on the 2024 Olympics and more news about Black women in sports, visit Essence.com.