Scary.
It can describe the future of a world-class athlete after a diagnosis that could've ended her track days. Instead, Sanya Richards-Ross pushed past the pain to win a gold and bronze medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Now scary describes her potential.
Six months ago, Richards-Ross began working with a new doctor who believes that her diagnosis of Behcet's Syndrome five years ago was incorrect.
"I've been treated for a different disease and I'm doing a lot better," she says. "I don't want to say I have a new diagnosis yet, but I'm very optimistic that this doctor is right."
Now off the Behcet's medication and on a new treatment regime, the fatigue and other symptoms that hindered her training and sapped her energy before big meets are under much better management.
Richards-Ross says there is nothing that will prevent her from putting her all into making the U.S. Track and Field team that's headed to London this summer.
The Jamaican-born sprinter has gone through eight doctors and several nutritionists during her quest to diagnose and treat her illness. She tried many diets including gluten-free, but none provided any benefit. Instead, she fuels up on a high-protein, high-carb meal plan mostly crafted by her father.
"My dad does most of my cooking for me," says Richards-Ross, who is a part of Team Citi and currently working to give back to her sport. "He juices fruits and vegetables. It helps a great deal because I don't like a lot of vegetables."
And on Sundays, her mom will whip up a childhood classic like Jamaican chicken soup with yams and dumplings. It's important for Richards-Ross to have family close while she trains in Texas, especially while her husband is in another state. Aaron Ross agreed to a three-year, $15.3-million deal with the Jaguars last month after winning two Super Bowls with the New York Giants.
Because of the schedules for their respective sports, Ross has never been able to watch his wife compete on the biggest stage. They are both hopeful that if she makes the team, the Jags will allow him to travel to London.
But even if Ross doesn't get the chance this summer, he might get a reprieve.
"I thought maybe after last season that this might be my last, but I have a renewed energy for my sport," she says. "I could see myself competing in Brazil in 2016."
That's a thought that should have the world's track stars running scared.
-- Follow Adam Watson on Twitter @AdamKWatson.
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