Gwen Torrence facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Gwen Torrence

Personal information
Born	(1965-06-12) June 12, 1965 (age 60) 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 February 9, 2014.

Gwendolyn Lenna Torrence (born June 12, 1965) is a retired American sprinter and Olympic champion. She was born in Decatur, Georgia. Gwen became one of the best sprinters in the world during the early 1990s. She won five Olympic medals, including three gold medals.

Gwen also earned many medals at other big events. These included the World Championships, Pan American Games, Goodwill Games, and World University Games.

Early Life and Start in Sports

Gwen Torrence grew up in Decatur, Georgia. She went to Columbia High School. Later, she attended the University of Georgia. She was offered a scholarship for her amazing athletic skills.

However, Gwen was not interested in sports at first. She really wanted to become a beautician. But her coaches and family encouraged her. They convinced her to enroll at the University of Georgia and pursue track and field.

Olympic and World Championship Success

Gwen Torrence was a dominant force in sprinting. At the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, she won two gold medals. She took gold in the 200-meter race. She also helped the U.S. team win gold in the 4 × 100-meter relay. She added a silver medal in the 4 × 400-meter relay.

At the 1996 Summer Olympics in her home state, Atlanta, Georgia, Gwen won another gold. This was for the 4 × 100-meter relay. She also earned a bronze medal in the 100-meter race.

Gwen also had great success at the World Championships. In 1993, she won a gold medal in the 4 × 400-meter relay. She also earned silver in the 200-meter race and 4 × 100-meter relay. She took a bronze in the 100-meter race that year.

In 1995, Gwen won two more gold medals at the World Championships. She was first in the 100-meter race. She also helped her team win the 4 × 100-meter relay.

Key Moments and Recognition

Gwen Torrence had some memorable moments during her career. In 1988, she tied with fellow sprinter Evelyn Ashford in a 55-meter race. She also had many exciting competitions with Florence Griffith Joyner. These races were often talked about in the news.

At the 1995 World Championships, Gwen finished first in the 200-meter race. However, she was later disqualified. This happened because she stepped out of her lane during the race. This meant her idol, Merlene Ottey, was given first place instead.

In 2000, Gwen Torrence was honored for her achievements. She was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. This recognized her amazing career in track and field.

Awards and Legacy

Gwen Torrence received a major award in 1995. She was named the World Athlete of the Year (Women). This award recognized her as the top female athlete in track and field that year. Her dedication and success made her a role model for many young athletes.