Gwen Gardner

Gwen Gardner (born September 7, 1960) is an American female track and field sprinter who specialized in the 400-meter dash. An African-American,[1] she grew up in Los Angeles, California.[2] Collegiately she competed for the UNLV Rebels and was among their best sprinters in the mid-1980s.[3]

Gardner looked to be a key figure for the United States track team after a runner-up finish to Sherri Howard in the 400 m at the 1980 United States Olympic Trials, but the Olympic boycott meant she ultimately did not compete at that meet.[4] The Liberty Bell Classic was organised for the boycotting nations and Gardner topped the field at this event, winning in 52.04 seconds ahead of Canada's Charmaine Crooks.[5] She also placed third in the 400 m at the 1980 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, held separately that year.[6]

References

  1. Smith, Todd A. (2008-07-01). African Americans in Sports: Jackie Robinson of Gymnastics A Dream Denied. Regal Magazine. Retrieved on 2016-04-10.
  2. New Book Chronicling 1980 U.S. Olympic Boycott Features Stories From Four Members of USA Olympic Swim Team. Swimming World Magazine (2008-05-22). Retrieved on 2016-04-10.
  3. UNLV Rebels Outdoor Individual Records. UNLV Rebels. Retrieved on 2016-04-10.
  4. Hymans, Richard (2008). The History of the United States Olympic Trials - Track and Field. USA Track and Field. Retrieved on 2016-04-09.
  5. Olympic Boycott Games. GBR Athletics. Retrieved on 2016-04-09.
  6. Gwen Gardner. Track and Field Brinkster. Retrieved on 2016-04-10.

External links

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