LaTasha Colander facts for kids
LaTasha Colander, Sydney 2000
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| Born | August 23, 1976 (age 48) Portsmouth, Virginia, U.S. |
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Medal record
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LaTasha Colander was born on August 23, 1976, in Portsmouth, Virginia. She is a retired American track and field sprinter. LaTasha was known for her amazing speed. She competed for the United States in many big races around the world.
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Early Life and Career
LaTasha received an athletic scholarship in 1994. She went to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 1994, she became the USA Juniors champion in the 100-meter hurdles. She also placed second in the World Junior Championships that year.
Soon after, LaTasha decided to focus on sprint races. She became the U.S. champion in the 400-meter race in both 2000 and 2001. In April 2000, her team set a new world record. They achieved this in the women's 4 × 200-meter relay race. This record stood for over 15 years!
Olympic Gold and Challenges
At the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, LaTasha won a gold medal. This was for the 4 × 400-meter relay event.
Later, there was a challenge to the team's medals. This happened because one of her teammates admitted to using banned substances. The International Olympic Committee first took away the team's medals. However, in 2010, LaTasha and her other teammates successfully appealed this decision. All team members, except the one who admitted to doping, had their gold medals given back.
LaTasha faced some injuries during her career. She missed the 2001 World Championships due to a leg injury. In 2003, she changed her focus to the shorter 100-meter race. She won the U.S. Olympic Trials in this event in 2004. At the 2005 World Championships, she finished fifth in the 200-meter race.
Giving Back: The LC Treasures Within Foundation
In 2000, LaTasha started her own foundation. It is called the LC Treasures Within Foundation. The main goal of this foundation is to help kids, families, and communities. It does this through education, sports, and encouraging positive values.
Hall of Fame
In 2014, LaTasha Colander was recognized for her amazing career. She was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. This honor celebrates her achievements in sports.
