Dawn Sowell facts for kids

Dawn Sowell was a very fast American runner. She was a top sprinter in the late 1980s. In 1989, she ran the fastest times in the world for both the 100 meters and 200 meters. Her 100-meter time of 10.78 seconds was one of the fastest ever. It still ranks among the top times for women today.

Early Life and Discovering Speed

Dawn Sowell was born in Philadelphia on March 27, 1966. She was one of seven children. Her father was an electrician, and her mother worked hard at several jobs. Later, her mother started a career in real estate. Dawn went to Chester High School in Chester, Pennsylvania. She did not like sports much at first. But then she found out she was faster than all the boys in her gym class! Her family later moved to Richmond, Virginia. She finished high school there in 1984. After that, she went to a junior college and then moved to Texas.

College and World-Leading Performances

Dawn went on to Louisiana State University (LSU). She competed for their LSU Lady Tigers track and field team. She set an American college record in the 100 meters. This happened in 1989 with her amazing time of 10.78 seconds. She ran this time during a qualifying race at the NCAA Women's Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships. She then won the final race in 10.91 seconds. In 2019, another LSU runner, Sha'Carri Richardson, broke Dawn's record with a time of 10.75 seconds.

Dawn also won the 200 meters race in 22.04 seconds in 1989. This made her the fastest woman in the world for both sprint races that year. Even though she did not always focus on her studies or training, she quickly became excellent on the track. By the end of 1989, her best times placed her very high on the all-time lists for sprinters. She was considered one of the best in the world.

National Title and International Competition

Dawn Sowell won her first and only national title in 1989. She won the 100 meters at the 1989 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. She finished ahead of other great runners like Sheila Echols and Esther Jones.

Her only time competing for the United States internationally was at the 1989 IAAF World Cup. There, she was part of the 4 × 100-meter relay team. This team won a bronze medal. She ran with Sheila Echols, Esther Jones, and Wendy Vereen. Many people thought Dawn would become the next big star in sprinting, like Florence Griffith-Joyner. However, she had to stop running due to ongoing injury problems. Today, Dawn Sowell is a public speaker. She talks about health and wellness.

International Achievements

Major Titles Won

• USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships
  • 100 m: 1989
• NCAA Women's Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships
  • 100 m: 1989
  • 200 m: 1989

See also

• List of 100 metres national champions (women)