The Queen of the Track — the most prolific medallist in World Athletics Championship history, Merlene Ottey competed at an elite level across six consecutive decades.
Merlene Ottey is one of athletics' most extraordinary competitors. She competed at the Olympic Games at six consecutive Games (1980-2004) and won eight World Championship medals. She was denied an Olympic gold medal by one thousandth of a second in 1996 — one of athletics' most devastating near-misses. She continued competing to the age of 44 and beyond.
She lost an Olympic gold medal by 0.001 seconds at Atlanta 1996 — the smallest margin of defeat in Olympic sprint history.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- 3 Olympic Bronze medals
- 8 World Championship medals
- Competed at 6 Olympics