Barbara Ferrell facts for kids
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| Born | July 28, 1947 (age 77) Hattiesburg, Mississippi, U.S. |
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Barbara Ann Ferrell, born on July 28, 1947, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is a famous American athlete. She was a top competitor in track and field, especially known for her speed in the 100-metre dash. Barbara was the U.S. national champion in this race in 1967 and 1969. She is also a member of the U.S. National Track & Field Hall of Fame.
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Olympic Achievements
Barbara Ferrell proudly represented the United States at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, Mexico.
1968 Mexico City Olympics
- In the 100-meter race, she won a silver medal, finishing second to her teammate Wyomia Tyus.
- She also competed in the 200-meter race, where she placed fourth.
- Barbara then teamed up with fellow American runners Margaret Bailes and Mildrette Netter. Together, they won the gold medal in the 4 × 100-meter relay race.
1972 Munich Olympics
Barbara competed again at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany.
- She finished seventh in the 100-meter final.
- She was eliminated in the semifinals of the 200-meter race.
Hall of Fame Recognition
Barbara Ferrell's amazing career led to her being honored in several Halls of Fame.
- In 1988, she was named to the U.S. National Track & Field Hall of Fame.
- That same year, she was also inducted into the Mt. SAC Relays Hall of Fame.
Coaching Career
After her competing days, Barbara Ferrell became a successful track coach.
- She coached women's track at the University of Southern California. There, she became one of the few female coaches in a top college sports program (NCAA Division I) to coach both men's and women's sprinters.
- In 2002, she became the head coach for the women's track and field and cross country teams at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
- Later, known as Coach E, she retired as the head track coach at San Marino High School. She passed her coaching role to her former student, Jeff Williams.
Education and Family Life
Barbara Ferrell also focused on her education and has a family of athletes.
- She earned her bachelor's degree in sociology in 1969 from California State College, Los Angeles. This school is now known as California State University, Los Angeles.
- In 1986, she was inducted into her university's Athletics Hall of Fame.
- Barbara is married to Warren Edmonson, who was also a great athlete in football and professional track. Warren has been the head track and field coach at California State University, Dominguez Hills since 2002.
- Their daughters, Malika and Miya, were also talented runners. While competing for St. Bernard High School, they were key members of their school's 4 × 100-meter relay team. This team set a national record in 1997, which lasted for seven years!
See also
In Spanish: Barbara Ferrell para niños
