Gwen Gardner facts for kids
Gwen Gardner (born September 7, 1960) is an American athlete who was a very fast runner. She specialized in the 400-meter dash, which is a sprint race. Gwen grew up in Los Angeles, California. She was an important runner for the UNLV Rebels college track team in the mid-1980s.
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Gwen Gardner: A Fast Sprinter
Gwen Gardner was known for her speed in track and field. She focused on the 400-meter race. This event requires both speed and endurance.
Early Life and College Years
Gwen Gardner was born in 1960. She spent her childhood in sunny Los Angeles, California. As she grew older, her talent for running became clear. She decided to continue her sports career in college. Gwen joined the track team at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). She was one of their top sprinters during the 1980s.
Olympic Dreams and the Boycott
Gwen Gardner was a very promising runner. She almost made the U.S. Olympic team for the 1980 Summer Olympics. At the Olympic Trials in 1980, she finished second in the 400-meter race. This was a great achievement! However, the United States decided not to send its athletes to the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. This meant Gwen could not compete there.
The Liberty Bell Classic
Even though she couldn't go to the Olympics, Gwen still had a chance to compete. A special event called the Liberty Bell Classic was organized for athletes whose countries boycotted the Olympics. Gwen Gardner showed her amazing talent at this competition. She won the 400-meter race with a time of 52.04 seconds. She finished ahead of Charmaine Crooks from Canada. That same year, she also placed third in the 400-meter race at the 1980 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
A Special Award
Gwen Gardner was one of many American athletes who missed the 1980 Olympics due to the boycott. To honor their dedication and sacrifice, the U.S. government gave them a special award. Gwen was one of 461 Olympic athletes to receive a Congressional Gold Medal. This medal is one of the highest civilian awards in the United States. It recognized her hard work and her dream of representing her country.
