Sanya, new face of US athletics

She had the event8217;s five fastest times last year, capped by an American record 48.70 seconds at the World Cup last September.

After breaking 50 seconds nine times in 2006, she was named Athlete of the Year by the IAAF.

8220;It8217;s really humbling but really exciting,8221; she said Tuesday, two days before the start of the meet. 8220;There8217;s a short window for you to be the best and have all these opportunities to be the face of the sport and a household name. I8217;m taking full advantage of those opportunities.8221;

All that8217;s missing is a major international title. She will be favored to win at least one at this year8217;s world championships in Osaka and at next year8217;s Olympics in Beijing. 8220;I8217;m training my butt off every day in practice to continue to win,8221; Richards said, 8220;because all this stuff comes from what you do on the track.8221;