Jamaica-born Olympic gold medallist turned broadcast analyst Sanya Richards-Ross is celebrating a significant milestone in her broadcasting career after winning a Sports Emmy Award as part of NBC’s Olympic coverage team.
Richards-Ross, who made her name as one of the world’s premier 400m runners before transitioning to television, was part of NBC’s broadcast crew honoured with the Outstanding Live Special – Championship Event award at the 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards on May 20, 2025, held at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York City. The award recognised NBC’s stellar coverage of the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad in Paris.
In a moving tribute posted to social media, Richards-Ross expressed her deep gratitude to her NBC colleagues and mentors, acknowledging the team’s chemistry and support throughout her journey.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d join a team I enjoy working with more!” she shared. “Our #NBC team is like no other… and it shows!”
She offered special thanks to fellow Emmy awardee, Olympic medallist and analyst Ato Boldon, saying, “@atoboldon, I so appreciate your leadership and mentorship in my early days.” She also recognised Rob Hyland (@rfh57), NBC’s coordinating producer for track and field, for giving her the opportunity to grow in the role.
Richards-Ross reserved additional praise for her on-air colleagues and team behind the scenes: “To every member of our team—our fearless leaders and hosts @leighdiffey and @paul_swangard, my Longhorn bestie @treyhardee, our newest star @karagoucher, and the man who might be responsible for it all @tvglobetraveler—your question after my final race is the reason we went from interviewer and interviewee to colleagues 🫶🏾. I love you all so much.”
She added, “There are so many others behind the scenes led by our incredible producer @smgreenie to say thank you to as well. You know who you are and I love you all DEEP!”
The Sports Emmy win represents a new chapter in Richards-Ross’ post-competitive career. A four-time Olympic medallist—gold in the 4x400m relay at Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, and London 2012, as well as 400m gold in London—Richards-Ross has brought the same poise, insight, and passion to broadcasting that defined her success on the track.
Her Emmy-winning contribution underscores not just her knowledge of the sport, but her growing influence in sports media, where she continues to break barriers and inspire both viewers and future broadcasters.