Ottey, Merlene (1960–)
Ottey, Merlene (1960–)
Jamaican runner. Name variations: Merlene Ottey-Page. Born Merlene Ottey, May 10, 1960, in Pondside (Cold Springs), Jamaica; graduate of University of Nebraska, 1984; m. Nat Page (American high jumper and hurdler), 1984.
Won more World championship medals (outdoors 14, indoors 6) than any other athlete at the time, male or female; won 34 medals in major championships, including the NCAA championship in the 100-meter sprint (1982); at the Commonwealth Games, won a gold medal in the 200 meters (1982 and 1991), and gold medal in the 60 meters (1995); won a bronze medal in the 200 meters at the Moscow Olympics (1980) and bronze medals in the 100 and 200 meters at Los Angeles Olympics (1984); won a bronze medal in the 200 meters at Barcelona Olympics (1992); won silver medals for the 100 meters and 200 meters and a bronze for the 4 × 100-meter relay at Atlanta Olympics (1996); won a silver medal in the 4 × 100-meter relay at Sydney Olympics (2000), the oldest female Olympian ever at 40 years and 143 days.
See also Claire Forrester and Alvin Campbell, Unyielding Spirit; and Women in World History.