Charles Allen (hurdler) facts for kids

Charles Allen is a super fast athlete who loves to run and jump over hurdles! He was born in Guyana but grew up in Canada. He's known for his amazing speed in races like the 100 and 200 meters, and especially for his skill in the 110-meter hurdles. Charles has represented both Guyana and Canada in big international sports events, including the Olympics!

Charles Allen: A Speedy Athlete

Growing Up and Getting Started

Charles Allen was born on March 3, 1977, in Georgetown, Guyana. When he was younger, he moved to Canada. First, he lived in Brampton and went to Turner Fenton Secondary School. Later, he moved to Malton and attended Ascension of Our Lord Secondary School. This is where he likely started to shine in sports.

Early Competitions and College

Charles began his international sports journey representing Canada. He competed in the 1996 World Junior Championships in Athletics. There, he raced in the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints. These are races where athletes run as fast as they can over short distances.

Later, Charles joined the Clemson Tigers track and field team in college. In 1999, he helped his team win a big race. This was the 4 × 400 meter relay at the NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships. A relay race involves a team of runners, each running a part of the total distance.

Representing His Countries

Charles Allen has a unique sports story because he has represented two different countries.

Competing for Guyana

In 2000, Charles competed for Guyana at the Sydney Summer Olympics. He raced in the 110-meter hurdles event. This is a race where athletes run and jump over ten barriers. Charles still holds the Guyanese national record for this event!

Competing for Canada

By the time of the 2002 Commonwealth Games, Charles was once again representing Canada. The Commonwealth Games are a major multi-sport event. Athletes from countries of the Commonwealth of Nations compete against each other.

Olympic and Commonwealth Success

Charles continued to achieve great things in his career.

The 2004 Olympics

At the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Charles made it to the finals in the 110-meter hurdles. This was a huge achievement! He even set a new personal best time in each qualifying race. A personal best is the fastest time an athlete has ever run. He finished sixth in the final race.

Charles was also the captain of Canada's 4 × 100-meter relay team at these Olympics. Even though the team didn't make it past the first rounds, it was an honor to be their captain.

Commonwealth Games Medal

In 2006, Charles competed at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia. Here, he achieved a big success! He won a bronze medal with the Canadian relay team. Winning a medal at an international event like the Commonwealth Games is a fantastic accomplishment for any athlete.

Charles Allen's journey shows how hard work and dedication can lead to great achievements in sports!