Sanya Richards, the 2006 World Athlete of the Year, found herself in an unfamiliar role when the gun sounded for the final of the women’s 400 metres at the World Championships in Osaka. In her latest IAAF Diary entry, Richards talks about her experience at the World Championships, her follow-up performance in Zurich, and what’s coming next as the season begins to wind down.

On watching the women’s 400m final:

Although it was tough for me to watch my favourite event go off at the World Championships, I decided I would stay and watch it live from the stands. I'm happy I did! It was very exciting to watch the final and see how my toughest competitors attacked the race. I thought Novlene would have won it as she looked the best in the rounds but I wasn't surprised that Christine [Ohuruogu] and Nicola [Sanders] gave her such tough competition.

On finishing fifth in the 200m final:

I was disappointed about the 200m final simply because I wasn't able to run my best race in the final. After running 22.31 in the second round I was extremely confident that I would have been able to run a new PR in the final. However I am having a hard time recovering through the rounds and my body just felt really flat. 
 
On her gold medal in the 4x400m Relay:

I was very happy to be a part of the 4x4 relay team. I really thought it was going to be a close race with the Russians, the Brits, and the Jamaicans but DeeDee and Allyson both ran great legs and gave Mary and I a comfortable lead for us to win the gold medal. I felt strong on my leg, I went out hard the first 100m and then got relaxed. I wanted to make sure I had a good kick coming home and secure the win for my team. It was also nice to get the chance to run a lap around the track... I really missed it! 

On her world-leading 49.36 in Zurich and head-to-head with recently crowned World champion Christine Ohuruogu:
 
I was extremely pleased with my race in Zurich. I really wanted to win, but the season is quickly ending and I wanted to run a fast time as well. After watching Worlds I knew that Christine's asset was her last 100m and I wanted to ensure that I ran the first half strong so that I would be clear of the field with 100 to go. I executed well and felt really strong the entire race.

On her remaining races: Brussels, Berlin, and the World Athletics Final:

Coach Hart's training regimen definitely prepares me to run fast at the end of the season. I felt great in my race in Zurich and hope that my best performance is yet to come!

Click here for Sanya’s sixth diary installment

Click here for Sanya's fifth diary installment

Click here for Sanya's fourth diary installment

Click here for Sanya's third diary installment

Click here for Sanya’s second diary installment

Click here for Sanya’s first diary installment