Gwen Torrence facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Gwen Torrence

Personal information
Born	(1965-06-12) June 12, 1965 (age 59) Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Height	5 ft 7+1/2 in
Weight	125 lb
Sport
Country	United States
Sport	Track and field
Medal record Women’s athletics Representing the  United States Olympic Games Gold 1992 Barcelona 200 m Gold 1992 Barcelona 4 × 100 m relay Gold 1996 Atlanta 4 × 100 m relay Silver 1992 Barcelona 4 × 400 m relay Bronze 1996 Atlanta 100 m World Championships Gold 1993 Stuttgart 4 × 400 m relay Gold 1995 Gothenburg 100 m Gold 1995 Gothenburg 4 × 100 m relay Silver 1991 Tokyo 100 m Silver 1991 Tokyo 200 m Silver 1993 Stuttgart 200 m Silver 1993 Stuttgart 4 × 100 m relay Bronze 1993 Stuttgart 100 m Pan American Games Gold 1987 Indianapolis 200 m
Updated on 9 February 2014.

Gwendolyn Lenna Torrence (born June 12, 1965) is a retired American sprinter and Olympic champion. She was born in Decatur, Georgia. She attended Columbia High School and the University of Georgia. She was offered a scholarship because of her athletic abilities, but she said she wasn't interested because she initially wanted to become a beautician. From the persuasion from her coaches and family, she chose to enroll to the University of Georgia.

In the early 1990s, Gwen Torrence was one of the best sprinters in the world, winning five Olympic medals, and three gold.

Torrence won medals at the Summer Olympics, Outdoor & Indoor World Championships, Pan American Games, Goodwill Games, and World University Games.

In 1988, Torrence achieved a tie with Evelyn Ashford in the 55 m race at the U.S. national indoor championships. She also had many battles both on the track and in the press with Florence Griffith Joyner.

In the 200 m at the 1995 World Championships, she was disqualified for stepping out of her lane after finishing first. This left her idol, Merlene Ottey, to be promoted to first place.

In 2000 she was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.

International competitions

National titles

• USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships
  • 100 m: 1995
  • 200 m: 1988, 1993, 1995
• USA Indoor Track and Field Championships
  • 55 m: 1989
  • 60 m: 1994, 1995, 1996
  • 200 m: 1994, 1996

Personal bests

Outdoor

• 100-meter dash – 10.82 (1994)
• 200-meter dash – 21.72 (1992)
• 400-meter dash – 49.64 (1992)

Indoor

• 50-meter dash – 6.07 (1996)
• 55-meter dash – 6.56 (1987)
• 60-meter dash – 7.02 (1996)

Awards

• World Athletics Awards

World Athlete of the Year (Women)：1995

See also

In Spanish: Gwen Torrence para niños