Gwen_Gardner
Gwen Gardner
American sprinter
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 boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics meant she ultimately did not compete in Moscow.[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] Gardner was one of 461 Olympic athletes to receive a Congressional Gold Medal.[7]