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"I ran for a Division III college program, which helped develop me from a middle-tier sprinter to an elite-caliber middle distance runner." Born and raised in central Ohio, Emily Richards attended Rutherford B Hayes High School where she specialized mostly in the sprints, ranging in the 100m to 400m, finishing her senior season by competing at the state champsionship in the 400m. After high school, Emily attended Ohio Northern University, where, under the guidance of her new coach, would transition to middle distance and a focus on the 800 meters. On her move in events, Emily stated in a 2017 interview with MileSplit, "[Coach Jason Maus] thought that if I kept doing the 400, I can still be successful.  But if I moved up to the 800, he thought that I could be a lot more successful." That was the beginning of Emily becoming one of the most accomplished middle distance runners in DIII history. She would earn 13 All-American honors, set the NCAA DIII record for fastest 800m (2:00.62 - with is 10th fastest all-time across all NCAA divisions), earn 9 NCAA Championship titles, and while still competing collegiately, would finish 8th at the 2017 USA Championships.

As for Emily's mindset to put in the work everyday, she says, "I know that when I step onto the track, I come from a much different background than many of my competitors. I wasn't on athletic scholarship in college, I only had a few big racing opportunities per year, and I lacked many of the resources & luxuries often guaranteed in D1 programs. These circumstances taught me how to run with passion, to take advantage of every opportunity, and to trust that all I needed to succeed was a good training program. While my situation is different now, I try to apply these ideals within my professional career."

Emily has many interests off the track, including reading, coffee, music, environmentalism, cooking, and her cat.