Monique Henderson facts for kids
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| Full name | Monique Marie Henderson | ||||||||||||||||
| Born | February 18, 1983 (age 42) San Diego, California, U.S. |
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Monique Marie Henderson (born February 18, 1983, in San Diego, California) is an American track and field athlete. She is known for her speed in the 400-meter dash. Monique won gold medals at both the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. She was part of the American 4 × 400-meter relay team.
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Early Running Days
Monique started running at a very young age. When she was just 9 or 10 years old, she set an American record. This record was for girls her age in the 400 meters race. It still stands today!
High School Achievements
Monique went to Samuel F. B. Morse High School in San Diego. She was an amazing runner there. From 1998 to 2001, she won the 400 meters California State Championship four times. No other runner in California history has done that!
In 1999, when she was 16, she won the 400 meters at the World Youth Championship. This big event took place in Bydgoszcz, Poland. At 17, she set a new national high school record for the 400 meters.
In 2000, while still in high school, Monique was chosen for the US Olympic track and field team. She was an alternate for the 4 × 400-meter relay team. Even though she didn't run in the Olympics that year, it was a huge honor. Track and Field News magazine named her the national Girl's "High School Athlete of the Year."
College Career at UCLA
After high school, Monique received a scholarship to attend UCLA in 2001. She continued to shine in college athletics.
Winning World Junior Championships
In 2002, while at UCLA, Monique won the 400 meters at the World Junior Championship. This competition was held in Kingston, Jamaica.
NCAA Success
Monique became a five-time Pac-10 champion during her time at UCLA. In 2004, she placed second in the 400 meters at the NCAA championships. The next year, in 2005, she became the NCAA outdoor champion in the 400 meters. She even set a new NCAA record with her time of 50.10 seconds.
In 2005, Monique received the Honda Sports Award. This award is given to the best female college track and field athlete in the nation.
Olympic Gold Medals
Monique Henderson is a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Athens 2004 Olympics
At the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, Monique was part of the American 4 × 400-meter relay team. They won the gold medal. There was a question about this medal later because another runner on the team admitted to doping. However, as of 2012, the original result still stands, and Monique's gold medal is secure.
Beijing 2008 Olympics
Monique also competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. Again, she was a member of the American 4 × 400-meter relay squad. They won another gold medal, making her a two-time Olympic champion!
Life After Running
After her successful running career, Monique continued her education. She earned a master's degree in kinesiology. Kinesiology is the study of how the body moves.
She worked as a professor in the exercise science department at San Diego Mesa College. In the summer of 2015, she became the head coach at Golden West College.
Honors and Recognition
Monique Henderson has been recognized for her achievements. In 2009, she was nominated and inducted into the San Diego County Women's Hall of Fame. This honor was hosted by several organizations, including the Women's Museum of California.
See also
In Spanish: Monique Henderson para niños
