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.

Born (1965-06-12) June 12, 1965 (age 60)^[1]

Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.

Height5 ft 7+1⁄2 in (171 cm)^[2]

Weight125 lb (57 kg)

Country United States

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Gwen Torrence

Personal information
Born	(1965-06-12) June 12, 1965 (age 60)[1] Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Height	5 ft 7+1⁄2 in (171 cm)[2]
Weight	125 lb (57 kg)
Sport
Country	United States
Sport	Track and field
Medal record Women's athletics Representing the  United States Olympic Games 1992 Barcelona 200 m 1992 Barcelona 4 × 100 m relay 1996 Atlanta 4 × 100 m relay 1992 Barcelona 4 × 400 m relay 1996 Atlanta 100 m World Championships 1993 Stuttgart 4 × 400 m relay 1995 Gothenburg 100 m 1995 Gothenburg 4 × 100 m relay 1991 Tokyo 100 m 1991 Tokyo 200 m 1993 Stuttgart 200 m 1993 Stuttgart 4 × 100 m relay 1993 Stuttgart 100 m Pan American Games 1987 Indianapolis 200 m
Updated on February 9, 2014

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In the early 1990s, Gwen Torrence was one of the best sprinters in the world, winning five Olympic medals, and three gold.^[3]

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

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.^{[citation needed]}

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.^[4]