Obadele Thompson
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Obadele Thompson (born March 30, 1976) is a sprint athlete from Barbados.
In 2000, he became the first Olympic medalist for his island nation.
Born in Saint Michael, Thompson was educated in marketing and economics at the University of Texas, United States.
A Junior world record holder in 1994, he came close to winning an Olympic medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, when he finished 4th in the 200 m. final, which was won by Michael Johnson in a new World Record time.
Competing with the top sprinters in the late 1990s, Thompson came close to major wins at the 1999 World Championships. He finished fourth in both the 100 m. and 200 m.
He won a medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, finishing third behind Maurice Greene to become a national hero in Barbados. Thompson came in fourth place in the 200 m. race.
In April 1996 in El Paso, Texas, Obadele ran the fastest 100 m. race ever. He was clocked at the incredible time of 9'69!
His fastest legal 100 m. is 9.87. and 200 m. personal best is 19.97 in 2000.
External links
- Official Website (http://www.obadele.com)