Melissa Morrison-Howard facts for kids
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| Born | July 9, 1971 (age 54) Mooresville, North Carolina, U.S. |
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Medal record
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Melissa Morrison-Howard was born on July 9, 1971. She is an amazing American athlete who specialized in hurdling. This means she was a runner who had to jump over barriers called hurdles during her races. Melissa is most famous for winning two bronze medals at the Olympic Games!
She also earned a bronze medal at the 2003 World Indoor Championships. Plus, she won a national championship in indoor track. Between 1992 and 1993, she was even named the Most Valuable Performer at the Southern Conference championships. By 2020, she was recognized as one of the top 6 American athletes ever in the 100-meter hurdles event.
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Her College Years
Melissa graduated from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, in 1993. While she was at Appalachian State, her coach was John Weaver. She was a very successful college athlete.
- She won 17 individual championships in the Southern Conference.
- In 1993, she was named an NCAA All-American. This is a special honor for top college athletes.
- She earned this honor in both the 55-meter and 100-meter hurdles races.
Awards and Recognition
Melissa Morrison-Howard has received several important awards for her achievements.
- In 2009, she was inducted into the Southern Conference Hall of Fame. This is like a special club for athletes who have done great things in the conference.
- In 2018, Appalachian State University also honored her. They gave her and other female athletes the Trailblazer Award. This award celebrates athletes who paved the way for others.
Life After the Olympics
After her amazing success at the Olympic Games, Melissa chose a different path. She became a special education teacher. This shows she cared about helping others learn and grow.
Melissa's Top Performances
Melissa Morrison-Howard had some incredible personal best times in her running career. These are the fastest times she ever ran in certain races.
| Date | Event | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 17, 2001 | 100 m (meters) | Coral Gables, Florida | 11.59 seconds |
| April 12, 2002 | 200 m (meters) | Knoxville, Tennessee | 23.98 seconds |
| August 23, 2004 | 100 m hurdles | Athens, Greece | 12.53 seconds |
Her Major Achievements
Melissa Morrison-Howard competed in many big events and won several medals. Here are some of her most important achievements:
- 1997: She won a gold medal at the USA Outdoor Championships in Indianapolis for the 100-meter hurdles. She also placed 5th at the World Indoor Championships in Paris.
- 1998: Melissa earned a silver medal at the Grand Prix Final in Moscow for the 100-meter hurdles. She also won a gold medal at the USA Indoor Championships in the 60-meter hurdles.
- 1999: She finished 6th at the World Indoor Championships in Maebashi, Japan.
- 2000: This was a big year! Melissa won a bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, for the 100-meter hurdles. She also placed 4th at the Grand Prix Final in Doha.
- 2002: She won another gold medal at the USA Indoor Championships in the 60-meter hurdles. She also placed 7th at the Grand Prix Final in Paris.
- 2003: Melissa won a bronze medal at the World Indoor Championships in Birmingham, England, for the 60-meter hurdles. She also placed 6th at the World Athletics Final in Monaco.
- 2004: Another Olympic bronze medal! She won it at the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, for the 100-meter hurdles.
More Information
- Southern Conference Hall of Fame - Melissa Morrison Howard
- Melissa Morrison-Howard Olympics Biography
See also
In Spanish: Melissa Morrison para niños
