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 a former American sprinter. He is also the father of famous sprinter Wallace Spearmon Jr.
Contents
Wallace Spearmon's College Days
Wallace Spearmon Sr. went to the University of Arkansas. There, he ran for the Arkansas Razorbacks track team. His coach was John McDonnell, a very well-known coach.
Becoming an All-American
While at Arkansas, Wallace became an All-American twice. This means he was one of the best college athletes in the country. He helped his team win the national title in 1985.
Setting New Records
Wallace was very fast! He set his best times in college:
- 10.23 seconds for the 100-meter dash
- 20.36 seconds for the 200-meter dash
At the 1985 Penn Relays, a big track meet, he was the last runner in two relay races. He helped the Arkansas Razorbacks win their first titles ever in the 4×100-meter relay and 4×200-meter relay.
Competing Around the World
Wallace Spearmon Sr. also ran for the United States in international races. He mainly competed in the 200-meter dash.
First International Medals
His first international medal was a bronze at the 1986 Goodwill Games in Moscow. He finished right behind another American runner, Dwayne Evans. Floyd Heard won the gold, making it a clean sweep for the U.S. team.
A year later, he won two gold medals at the 1987 Summer Universiade in Zagreb.
- He won the 200-meter title, beating Floyd Heard this time.
- Then, he teamed up with Floyd Heard, Lee McRae, and Lorenzo Daniel. They won gold in the 4×100-meter relay. This relay win started a long winning streak for the U.S. team that lasted until 2001.
Pan American Games and World Championships
After the Universiade, Wallace competed at the 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis. He earned a bronze medal in the 200-meter race, finishing in 20.53 seconds. Floyd Heard and Brazil's Robson Caetano da Silva were faster than him.
In 1987, he also set his personal best time for the 200-meter dash: 20.27 seconds. This happened in Rhede, Germany. He also ran for the U.S. at the 1987 World Championships in Athletics. He made it to the semi-finals in the 200-meter event.
A Family of Sprinters
Wallace Spearmon Sr. had a son, Wallace Spearmon Jr., 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. became an even more successful sprinter than his father. He won three individual medals and a relay gold at the World Championships in Athletics. He also set a national record indoors in the 200-meter dash.
