Richards-Ross' 400m win a family affair

American Sanya Richards-Ross made her 27th birthday special in more ways than one Sunday by winning the women's 400 metre title at the US Indoor Track and Field Championships.

Richards-Ross was also celebrating her wedding anniversary Sunday as she married American gridiron player Aaron Ross on her birthday two years ago. Ross, who plays for the New York Giants, and was in the stands cheering her on.

Richards-Ross set a meet record of 50.71 in the 400 to beat runner-up Natasha Hastings who finished in 51.66.

Richards-Ross boosted her credentials for both Istanbul and the 2012 London Olympic Games with this win.

She came to Albuquerque with the top 400 time of 2012, the 50.89 she ran at the Millrose Games in New York in February and will head to Istanbul as a strong favourite.

It was a big day for other leading American candidates for Istanbul and London.

Trel Kimmons won the men's 60-metre title in 6.45 seconds, quickest time in the world this year.

Runner-up Justin Gatlin, the 2004 Olympic 100 champion on the comeback trail after four years on the suspended list, clocked 6.47 for second place.