2004 Olympic 4x400m relay gold medalist and 2005 Outdoor Visa Championships Series winner Sanya Richards on Thursday was named Visa Humanitarian Athlete of the Year by USA Track & Field. Richards will receive her award at the 2005 Jesse Owens Awards and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held in conjunction with the USATF Annual Meeting in Jacksonville, Fla.

The 2005 World Outdoor Championships 400m silver medalist, Richards' winning time of 49.28 seconds in winning the 2005 USA Outdoor title and the Visa Championships Series crown, made the 2003 USA and NCAA champion the youngest woman ever to run under 49 seconds in the women's 400 meters. Richards' performance established a new Championships record and, for the moment, the top time in the world in 2005. Richards posted the fastest time in the world this year when she won at Zurich in 48.92 seconds.

Richards has played an integral role as a participant in USA Track & Field's "Be a Champion" program. She has participated in several events speaking to young people in communities from Miami, Fla., to Austin, Texas. As a student-athlete in the Longhorn Leaders program while competing at the University of Texas, Richards spent a great deal of time working with adolescents in at-risk situations, and she continues to be heavily involved in community service acting as a role model to young people across America and the world.

"This award means a lot to me," said Richards. "I was really honored when I got the call. I was just talking with my sister the week before that I couldn't wait to get out of school so I could really start doing something in the community. I'm really honored to be a part of the "Be A Champion" program and have the opportunity to hang out with kids and try to make a difference in their lives."

Richards has been involved with community service since she was in high school, and she's grateful to have the opportunity to extend her reach to more kids through the "Be A Champion" program. "I think it's awesome," she said. "Since we've been doing it we've reached many kids, and every time I go out they're listening and learning and it's a good experience for me, and I know it's a great one for them. Hopefully we can continue to reach more kids in more cities."

"In addition to her many accomplishments on the track, Sanya sets a wonderful example for our athletes with her eagerness to contribute to the lives of young people," said USATF CEO Craig Masback said. "Thanks to Sanya, and many other Team USA athletes, USATF's "Be A Champion" initiative aimed at educating youth, parents, educators and coaches about the positive results that come from leading a physically active, drug-free and healthy lifestyle, has been a tremendous success in its inaugural year."

"As part of our long-standing partnership with USA Track & Field, Visa is proud to present the Visa Humanitarian of the Year to Sanya Richards," said Michael Lynch, senior vice president, event and sponsorship marketing, Visa USA. "She is a tremendous competitor, and this award recognizes her outstanding performances both in her sport and her community. Her Olympic journey continues serves as a source of inspiration for all of us."