Wallace Spearmon Sr. facts for kids
| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Men's athletics | ||
Representing the  United States |
||
| Universiade | ||
| Gold | 1987 Zagreb | 200 m |
| Gold | 1987 Zagreb | 4×100 m relay |
| Goodwill Games | ||
| Bronze | 1986 Moscow | 200 m |
| Pan American Games | ||
| Bronze | 1987 Indianapolis | 200 m |
Wallace Spearmon Sr. (born September 3, 1962) is an American former sprinter. He was a very fast runner who competed in races like the 100-meter and 200-meter dash. He is also the father of another famous sprinter, Wallace Spearmon Jr.
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Wallace Spearmon Sr.'s Running Journey
Wallace Spearmon Sr. was a talented athlete. He became known for his speed on the track. His career included many important races and medals.
College Sports Star
Wallace Spearmon Sr. went to the University of Arkansas. He ran for the Arkansas Razorbacks team. His coach was John McDonnell. While in college, he became an All-American twice. This means he was one of the best college athletes in the country.
In 1985, he helped his team win the overall title at the NCAA Men's Outdoor Track and Field Championships. He set his best times in college: 10.23 seconds for the 100-meter dash and 20.36 seconds for the 200-meter dash. At the 1985 Penn Relays, he was the last runner in the 4×100-meter and 4×200-meter relay races. He helped the Arkansas Razorbacks win these events for the first time in the relay's 90-year history.
Competing for His Country
Wallace Spearmon Sr. also ran for the United States in international competitions. His first international medal was a bronze at the 1986 Goodwill Games in Moscow. He finished just behind fellow American Dwayne Evans. Another American, Floyd Heard, won the gold medal.
A year later, in 1987, he won two gold medals at the Summer Universiade in Zagreb. First, he won the 200-meter race, beating Floyd Heard. Then, he teamed up with Floyd Heard, Lee McRae, and Lorenzo Daniel. Together, they won the gold medal in the 4×100-meter relay. This relay win started a long winning streak for the United States in that event. The streak lasted until 2001.
Later in 1987, he competed at the Pan American Games in Indianapolis. He earned a bronze medal in the 200-meter race. His time was 20.53 seconds. Floyd Heard and Brazil's Robson Caetano da Silva finished ahead of him. That same year, he ran his fastest 200-meter race ever. He finished in 20.27 seconds in Rhede, Germany. He also competed at the 1987 World Championships in Athletics. He reached the semi-finals in the 200-meter event.
A Family of Sprinters
Wallace Spearmon Sr. had a son, Wallace Spearmon Jr., born in 1984. He encouraged his son to become a sprinter too. He coached his son for many years and continued to be his mentor. Wallace Spearmon Jr. went on to achieve even more than his father. He won three individual medals and a relay gold medal at the World Championships in Athletics. He also set a national record indoors in the 200-meter race.
