USA Olympic track athlete Sanya Richards is a hero for this day 12 of the Beijing Olympics 2008. 

At the end of her 400 meter track final, she stood on the medal stand on the infield at the Bird's Nest, and the music played "God Save the Queen" (British national anthem).

Christine Ohuruogu, of Great Britain, who was at these Games only because she won an appeal that cleared her to compete (had missed three out-of-competition doping tests) just won the OLYMPIC 2008 womens 400m race.

Richards was favored and came in third behind Shericka Williams of Jamaica who was second.

Richards apparently trained hard and gave much credit to her coaches. She was reported to have battled back from an illness (Behcet's syndrome) to become an Olympic favorite. 

It wasn't to be for Sanya Richards on this day.  She went out hard and had the lead to 320 meters, then tightened up and came in at her best to claim the bronze.

During the NBC post-race interview, Richards made no excuses and said that she did her best.  However, she said she was proud to have the bronze, that the race wasn't about her, but rather about her country, the USA, and team participation.

We congratulate this fine athlete who lived up to the Olympic ideals of teamwork and doing your best.

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group, Irvine, CA