Andre Phillips facts for kids
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| Born | September 5, 1959 (age 65) Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. |
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André Lamar Phillips, born on September 5, 1959, is a retired American track and field athlete. He is famous for winning the gold medal in the 400 metres hurdles at the 1988 Olympic Games.
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André Phillips' Amazing Career
André Phillips spent much of his career competing against his hero, Edwin Moses. Moses was a legendary hurdler who had an incredible winning streak. Phillips often finished second to him.
Olympic Gold Medal Victory
Phillips finally beat Moses at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. This was a huge moment in his career.
- In 1983, Phillips placed fifth in the 400 meter hurdles at the first-ever World Athletics Championships.
- In 1985, when Moses was not competing, Phillips won his only US National Championship title. He also won the IAAF World Cup that year.
- At the 1988 Olympic trials, Phillips lost to Moses.
- However, at the Olympics, Phillips ran very well. He won his heat and his semifinal race.
- In the final race, Phillips ran his fastest time ever: 47.19 seconds. This amazing effort won him the gold medal!
- He beat Amadou Dia Ba from Senegal by just 0.04 seconds.
- At that time, Phillips was the second fastest hurdler ever.
- Even though Moses ran his fastest Olympic final, he finished third. This race was the last of Moses's career.
Hall of Fame
In 2009, André Phillips was honored for his achievements. He was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame. This means he is recognized as one of the best track and field athletes in history.
André Phillips' Education and School Days
André Phillips was a talented athlete even before his Olympic success.
High School Achievements
He went to Silver Creek High School in San Jose, California.
- In 1977, he won the CIF California State Meet in the 330-yard low hurdles.
- He still holds the school record for the 330-yard low hurdle race.
- Silver Creek High School is special because two unrelated Olympic gold medalists came from there. André Phillips and Millard Hampton (who won gold in the 4x100 meter relay in 1976) both attended the school.
- The school even hosts an event called the "Hampton Phillips Classic" to honor them.
College Success
After high school, Phillips attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
- In 1981, he won the 400 meter hurdles at the NCAA championships. This is a major college sports competition.
André Phillips' Career After Sports
After his incredible athletic career, André Phillips chose to work in education.
- He used to be a teacher at Stagg High School.
- Later, he became an Assistant Principal at Franklin High School.
- Today, he is the Principal at Stagg High School in Stockton, California.
- Phillips also earned his educational doctorate (Ed.D.) from Concordia University Irvine.
See also
In Spanish: Andre Phillips para niños
