Gwen Torrence

Gwendolyn Lenna Torrence (born June 12, 1965) is a retired American sprinter and Olympic champion. She was born in Decatur, Georgia. She attended Columbia High School and the University of Georgia. She was offered a scholarship because of her athletic abilities, but she said she wasn't interested because she initially wanted to become a beautician. From the persuasion from her coaches and family, she chose to enroll to the University of Georgia.

In the early 1990s, Gwen Torrence was one of the best sprinters in the world, winning five Olympic medals, and three gold.

Torrence won medals at the Summer Olympics, Outdoor & Indoor World Championships, Pan American Games, Goodwill Games, and Summer Universiade.

In 1988, Torrence achieved a tie with Evelyn Ashford in the 55 m race at the U.S. national indoor championships. She also had many battles both on the track and in the press with Florence Griffith Joyner.

In the 200 m at the 1995 World Championships, she was disqualified for stepping out of her lane after finishing first. This left her idol, Merlene Ottey, to be promoted to first place.

In 2000 she was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.

International competitions

National titles USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships 100 m: 1995 200 m: 1988, 1993, 1995 USA Indoor Track and Field Championships 55 m: 1989 60 m: 1994, 1995, 1996 200 m: 1994, 1996

Personal bests Outdoor 100-meter dash – 10.82 (1994) 200-meter dash – 21.72 (1992) 400-meter dash – 49.64 (1992)

Indoor 50-meter dash – 6.07 (1996) 55-meter dash – 6.56 (1987) 60-meter dash – 7.02 (1996)

Awards World Athletics Awards World Athlete of the Year (Women)：1995