If you don't already know the name Sanya Richards, then it's about time you learned about this 23-year-old amazing athlete.

Sanya Richards already achieved Olympic gold in Athens in 2004, but things have changed since then. In 2006 Richards was diagnosed with Behcet's Syndrome — a rare disease resulting from inflammation of the blood vessels, which causes pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints (among other things). Despite her painful illness, Richards finished first in the 400-meter race during the US trials, and she's expected to medal in this Olympics.

I'm always thoroughly impressed with athletes just from their stamina and strength, but when they overcome hurdles that would make most of us throw the towel in, I'm in awe. Cheer on Sanya at the Olympics in Beijing that begin Aug. 8 — yay!

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