Barbara Ferrell facts for kids
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| Born | July 28, 1947 (age 78) Hattiesburg, Mississippi, U.S. |
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Barbara Ann Ferrell, also known as Mrs. Edmonson, is a famous American athlete. She was born on July 28, 1947, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Barbara was a top competitor in track and field, especially in the 100-metre dash. She was a national champion in the U.S. for this event in 1967 and 1969. Her amazing career led her to be part of the U.S. National Track & Field Hall of Fame.
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Olympic Achievements
Barbara Ferrell showed her incredible speed at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, Mexico.
Mexico City 1968
- In the 100 metres race, Barbara won a silver medal. She finished just behind her teammate, Wyomia Tyus.
- She also competed in the 200 metres final, where she placed fourth.
- Later, Barbara teamed up with Wyomia Tyus, Margaret Bailes, and Mildrette Netter. Together, they won the gold medal in the 4 × 100 metres relay race. This was a huge win for the U.S. team!
Munich 1972
Barbara also competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany.
- She faced some challenges with injuries that season.
- She finished seventh in the 100 metres final.
- She reached the semifinals in the 200 metres.
Life After Competing
After her successful career as an athlete, Barbara Ferrell continued to be involved in track and field.
Coaching Career
- Barbara became a women's track coach at the University of Southern California.
- She was 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 women's track and field and cross country at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
- Known as Coach E, she later retired as the head track coach at San Marino High School. She passed her coaching role to her former student, Jeff Williams.
Hall of Fame Honors
- In 1988, Barbara Ferrell was honored by being named to the U.S. National Track & Field Hall of Fame.
- In the same year, she was also inducted into the Mt. SAC Relays Hall of Fame.
- 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.
Family and Legacy
Barbara Ferrell is married to Warren Edmonson, who was also a great athlete. He played football for UCLA and was a professional track athlete.
- Warren Edmonson has been a head track and field coach at California State University, Dominguez Hills since 2002.
- Barbara and Warren have two daughters, Malika and Miya.
- Their daughters were also talented athletes. While competing for St. Bernard High School, they were a key part of their school's 4 × 100 metres relay team.
- This team set a national record in 1997, which lasted for seven years!
See also
In Spanish: Barbara Ferrell para niños
