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 on June 12, 1965, is a famous American former sprinter. A sprinter is a runner who specializes in short, fast races. She is also an Olympic champion, meaning she won gold medals at the Olympic Games. Gwen was born in Decatur, Georgia, and became one of the world's top sprinters in the early 1990s. She won five Olympic medals, including three gold medals, during her amazing career.

Gwen Torrence: A Sprinting Star

Early Life and Start in Sports

Gwen Torrence was born in Decatur, Georgia. She went to Columbia High School and later the University of Georgia. She was offered a scholarship to college because she was a talented athlete.

At first, Gwen wasn't sure about going to college for sports. She actually wanted to become a beautician. But her coaches and family encouraged her to use her athletic gifts. So, she decided to enroll at the University of Georgia.

Olympic and World Championship Success

In the early 1990s, Gwen Torrence was one of the best sprinters in the world. She won many important medals. She earned five medals at the Summer Olympics, which is a huge achievement. Three of these Olympic medals were gold!

Gwen also won many medals at the Outdoor and Indoor World Championships. She also competed and won at the Pan American Games, Goodwill Games, and World University Games.

Key Moments in Her Career

In 1988, Gwen Torrence tied with another famous runner, Evelyn Ashford, in a 55-meter race at the U.S. national indoor championships. She also had many exciting races and rivalries with Florence Griffith Joyner. Their competitions 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 because she stepped out of her lane. This meant her idol, Merlene Ottey, was then given first place.

In 2000, Gwen Torrence was honored for her amazing career. She was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. This shows how important she was in the world of sports.

Her Amazing Achievements

Gwen Torrence won many medals throughout her career. Here are some of her top achievements:

Olympic Games Medals

• 1992 Barcelona:
  • Gold in the 200 meters
  • Gold in the 4 × 100 meters relay (team race)
  • Silver in the 4 × 400 meters relay (team race)
• 1996 Atlanta:
  • Gold in the 4 × 100 meters relay (team race)
  • Bronze in the 100 meters

World Championships Medals

• 1991 Tokyo:
  • Silver in the 100 meters
  • Silver in the 200 meters
• 1993 Stuttgart:
  • Gold in the 4 × 400 meters relay (team race)
  • Silver in the 200 meters
  • Silver in the 4 × 100 meters relay (team race)
  • Bronze in the 100 meters
• 1995 Gothenburg:
  • Gold in the 100 meters
  • Gold in the 4 × 100 meters relay (team race)

Pan American Games Medals

• 1987 Indianapolis:
  • Gold in the 200 meters

International Competitions Overview

National Titles

Gwen Torrence also won many national championships in the USA:

• USA Outdoor Championships
  • 100 meters: 1995
  • 200 meters: 1988, 1993, 1995
• USA Indoor Championships
  • 55 meters: 1989
  • 60 meters: 1994, 1995, 1996
  • 200 meters: 1994, 1996

Personal Best Times

These are Gwen Torrence's fastest times in different races:

• Outdoor
  • 100-meter dash – 10.82 seconds (in 1994)
  • 200-meter dash – 21.72 seconds (in 1992)
  • 400-meter dash – 49.64 seconds (in 1992)
• Indoor
  • 50-meter dash – 6.07 seconds (in 1996)
  • 55-meter dash – 6.56 seconds (in 1987)
  • 60-meter dash – 7.02 seconds (in 1996)

Awards and Recognition

• World Athlete of the Year (Women): 1995

See also

In Spanish: Gwen Torrence para niños