Alvin Harrison facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Alvin Harrison

Personal information
Full name	Alvin Leonardo Harrison
Born	January 20, 1974 (1974-01-20) (age 51) Orlando, Florida, U.S.
Height	6 ft 2 in
Weight	176 lb
Achievements and titles
Personal best(s)	400 m: 44.09 (Atlanta 1996)
Medal record Men's athletics Representing the  United States Olympic Games Gold 1996 Atlanta 4 × 400 m relay Silver 2000 Sydney 400 m Disqualified 2000 Sydney 4 × 400 m relay

Alvin Leonardo Harrison, born on January 20, 1974, is a former American track and field athlete. He was known for his fast sprinting in races. Alvin won a gold medal in the 4 × 400 metres relay at the 1996 Summer Olympics and the 2000 Summer Olympics. He also earned a silver medal in the 400 metres race at the 2000 Summer Olympics.

Alvin Harrison's Early Life and Olympic Start

Alvin Harrison was born in Orlando, Florida. He has a twin brother named Calvin Harrison. Calvin is also an Olympic medalist. Before their first try for the Olympic team, the brothers faced challenges.

In 1996, Alvin earned his first spot on the Olympic team. This was at the 1996 Olympic Trials. He reached the finals in the individual 400 meters race. Alvin finished fourth in that race.

Winning Gold in the 1996 Olympics

At the 1996 Summer Olympics, Alvin Harrison helped the USA team win a gold medal. This was in the 4 × 400 meters relay. During the race, Alvin, running the second part, passed the British runner. This put the USA team in the lead. They kept this lead and won the gold medal.

Making History at the 2000 Olympics

At the 2000 Summer Olympics, Alvin and Calvin Harrison made history. They became the first twins to win Olympic gold medals together. They were on the same 4 × 400 metres relay team. Alvin ran the first part of the race. Calvin ran the third part.

Alvin Harrison also wrote a book called Go to Your Destiny. This book was featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2001.

Changes to 2000 Olympic Medals

Alvin Harrison did not compete in the 2004 Olympics. This was due to concerns about a banned substance. In October 2004, he agreed to a four-year break from competing.

Later, in 2008, the US team's 4 × 400 meters relay medals from the 2000 Sydney Olympics were removed. This happened because another team member admitted to using substances that were not allowed.

Competing for a New Country

After his break from competing ended in late 2008, Alvin Harrison returned to the sport. He decided to compete for the Dominican Republic. He made this choice after talking with his wife and fellow athlete Félix Sánchez. Both of them are from the Dominican Republic.

Alvin competed for his new country at the 2009 World Championships in Athletics. He ran in the 400 meters race. He also helped the Dominican 4 × 400-meter relay team. They finished fourth at the 2010 IAAF World Indoor Championships.

Helping Young Athletes Succeed

The Athletics Federation of the Dominican Republic chose Alvin Harrison to lead their new program. This program helps young athletes reach their best. One of its first big successes was Luguelín Santos. Luguelín won a silver medal in the 400 meters at the 2012 Summer Olympics when he was just 18.

Alvin Harrison's work in sports development has been recognized. He has also worked with professional sports teams. These include teams in the NFL and the NBA.

Alvin Harrison has one son and three daughters.

Alvin Harrison's Personal Best Times

Alvin Harrison's International Competitions

Track Records Held by Alvin Harrison

As of September 7, 2024, Alvin Harrison holds these track records for the 400 meters race:

See also

In Spanish: Alvin Harrison para niños

• List of doping cases in athletics