Real Housewives of Atlanta star Sanya Richards-Ross is a renowned Olympian who won the 400m relay gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics and three consecutive 4x400m relay gold medals at the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Olympics. Her secret? Tough workouts and good genes. That’s right! Her parents were athletes, too.
So, who are Sanya’s parents? Read on to find out.
Who are Sanya Richards-Ross’s parents?
Sanya Richards-Ross loves her parents, Sharon and Archie Richards. They are her inspiration and always push her to be her “best self”.
In an interview with FloSports, Sanya mentioned that her father instilled “confidence” in her during her formative years. And she credits both her parents for encouraging her dreams, no matter how difficult they seemed.
“Whatever you want, we are here to support you 100 percent,” Sanya recalls her parents often telling her.
Similarly, Sanya’s mother once shared: “I believe that if children receive your 100% support, they will become the best version of themselves.”
Now, when it comes to their being athletes, Sanya mentions, “Both my parents were athletes, but when I was little I didn’t know that.” She recalls the time they won a parent-teacher race at school and how excited she was.
Meet Sanya Richards-Ross Mom, Sharon Richards
Sanya Richards-Ross’s mother is Sharon Richards. She’s a proud mom and isn’t shy about showing it on social media. “God knew when He gave me my daughters that I would need lifelong friends,” she once wrote in an IG post.
Here is more information about her.
Sharon Richards turns 58 on September 18, 2021.
Her full name is “Sharon Annmarie Richards.”
Sadly, her beloved father passed away in August 2014. According to Sharon, her father was born on July 4th and since his passing, it has always been a sad day for her, and celebrating has been the furthest thing from her mind.
However, Sharon’s mother was alive and well (in her mid-80s) when we last checked.
Sharon Richards has been a travel advisor at Claire Skies Travel since 2022. She was also an agent for her daughter at the time.
Prior to that, Sharon worked at American Express Business Travel for quite a while.
-
Does Sharon Richards use Instagram?
Well, as of June 2022, Sharon is on Instagram @madukessharon with over 54k followers. I guess she is also an IG celebrity. Most of her posts then highlight how she lives a “Healthy, Fit and Stylish Life”.
Also, here is her Facebook @sharon.richards.33671.
Meet Sanya Richards-Ross Dad, Archie Richards
Sanya Richards-Ross’s father, Archie Richards, is her manager and mentor.
Since she was very young, Sanya’s father always asked her not to be “one-sided”. What he meant was that although Sanya was very good at sports, he wanted her to not be afraid to try new things and be good at many things.
“It started with my schoolwork. He wanted me to do well in school, so I got straight A’s in high school and very close to that in college,” Sanya recalls.
Also, thanks to Archie’s advice, Sanya tried many things, not just athletics. She was always the one trying to meet new people, build a network of relationships and prepare for her book at the end of her career.
“He doesn’t want me to define myself as just an athlete because he knows that one day that will end. So he just wants me to have the confidence to always try new things,” Sanya explains.
Archie Richards turns 65 in December 2021.
His real name was “Newton A Richards.” He came from a family of at least four.
Sadly, Archie’s brother Carlton passed away in 2013.
Archie Richards gave up his career and devoted himself to helping his daughter become the best in the world. He is her manager and often speaks on her behalf in most interviews.
-
Is Archie Richards on Instagram?
No, Archie is not on Instagram.
However, you can see him many times on Sanya’s IG @sanyarichoss.
Related FAQs
-
Where are Sanya Richards-Ross’s parents from?
Sanya Richards-Ross’s parents are both from Kingston, Jamaica.
They moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL in 1997. And as of 2022, they reside in Round Rock, TX
-
How long have Sanya Richards-Ross’s parents been married?
Sanya Richards-Ross’s parents have been married for over 37 years. That’s right, they tied the knot on July 22, 1984, after dating for over two years. “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person,” Sharon revealed their secret.
Even after four decades together, Sanya’s parents are still more in love than ever. They believe they hit the jackpot when they found each other.
-
How many children do Sanya Richards-Ross’s parents have?
Sanya Richards-Ross’s parents have two children — Sanya and her one-year-younger sister, Shari Richards.
Their daughter, Shari, is a former hairdresser and co-owner of The Hair Clinic. She opened her salon in 2008 and became a full-time mother 10 years later.
Last we checked, she lived in suburban Georgia with her husband Tyrell Gatewood and two children named Slade and Shiloh.