Michelle Carter (athlete) facts for kids
Carter at the 2012 World Indoor Championships in Istanbul
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| Nationality | American | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | October 12, 1985 San Jose, California, United States |
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| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 260 lb | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Country |  United States |
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| Sport | Athletics (track and field) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Event(s) | Shot put | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| College team | Texas Longhorns | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Turned pro | 2007 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coached by | Michael Carter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retired | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Michelle Denee Carter (born October 12, 1985) is a retired American track and field athlete. She is famous for competing in the shot put event. In 2016, Michelle won a gold medal at the Rio Olympics. This made her the first American woman ever to win an Olympic gold medal in shot put! She also holds the record for the longest shot put throw by an American woman, reaching 20.63 m (67 ft 8.07972441 in) meters. In 2020, she was honored by being added to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.
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Michelle Carter's Early Life
Michelle Carter was born on October 12, 1985, in San Jose, California. She grew up in Red Oak, Texas. Her parents are Sandra and Michael Carter. Her father, Michael, was also a famous athlete. He won a silver medal in shot put at the 1984 Summer Olympics! He also played American football for the San Francisco 49ers. Michelle has a brother, Michael Jr., and a sister, D’Andra.
Michelle went to Red Oak High School. There, she was a four-time state champion in shot put. She even held the national record for high school girls in shot put from 2003 to 2014. After high school, she earned a sports scholarship to the University of Texas. She continued to compete in shot put there. In 2007, she graduated with a degree in youth and community studies.
Michelle Carter's Amazing Career
Michelle Carter's biggest win was at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She won the gold medal on her very last throw! She beat Valerie Adams from New Zealand, who had won twice before. This was a huge moment for American women's track and field. Michelle was the first American woman to win gold in shot put since the event started in 1948. She also broke her own American record with her winning throw of 20.63 m (67 ft 8.07972441 in) meters.
Before her big Olympic win, Michelle competed in other Olympic Games. She placed fifteenth at the 2008 Olympic Games. She finished fourth at the 2012 Olympic Games.
Michelle also won medals at other major competitions. She earned bronze medals at the World Championships in 2015 and 2017. She won a gold medal at the World Indoor Championships in 2016, after getting a silver medal in 2012.
When she was younger, Michelle also showed great promise. She won a silver medal at the 2001 World Youth Championships. She then won a gold medal at the 2004 World Junior Championships.
Michelle was a champion in the United States many times. She won the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2008. She was also the national champion in 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. While at the University of Texas, she won the NCAA collegiate national championship in 2006. She was named an All-American seven times in college. She also won the Big 12 Conference title five times.
In June 2022, Michelle Carter announced that she was retiring from competing.
Awards and Recognitions
Michelle Carter has received many honors for her achievements.
- In 2016, she was inducted into the Texas Longhorns Hall of Honor.
- In 2018, she joined the Texas Track and Field Hall of Fame.
- In 2020, she was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.
Michelle Carter's Personal Life
Michelle Carter is a Christian. She has spoken about how her faith helps her. She believes that discipline and self-control come from both faith and sports. She has said that God gave her a platform to inspire others.
When Michelle was a child, she was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia. These are learning differences that can make school harder.
Michelle is also a trained professional make-up artist.
She cares a lot about body image. She talks to young women about feeling confident in their own bodies. Her program, You Throw Girl, helps girls understand that every body is built for something special.
Michelle married Courtney Elder in 2019. They first met when they were children at church. They reconnected as adults in 2016. Michelle lives in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Images for kids
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Carter at the 2012 World Indoor Championships in Istanbul
See also
In Spanish: Michelle Carter para niños
