Here Are The 11 Most Famous Olympians From Georgia, From Track And Field Stars To Equestrians

Even those of us who don't know much about the world of sports know that it's pretty darn difficult to get to the Olympics. The Winter and Summer Olympics represent the best of the best, and the superstars that compete on this global stage are incredibly talented, win or lose. There are quite a few famous people from Georgia, so it should come as no surprise that the Peach State has had more than its fair share of locals strut their stuff on the international stage. Check out a few of the most famous Olympians from Georgia:

1. Gwen Torrence: Track and Field

Gwen Torrence was born in Decatur, GA. She attended the University of Georgia and was one of the top sprinters of her generation. She won five Olympic medals in total, including three gold medals, and it wasn't surprising at all when she was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.

2. Wyomia Tyus: Track and Field (third from right in photo)

Wyomia Tyus the was born in Griffin, GA and grew up on a dairy farm. She showed prowess as an athlete from a young age. In the 1964 Summer Olympics, she tied a world record during the heats. She took home three Olympic gold medals and one silver during her career. She was the first person ever to retain the Olympic title in the 100 m event.

3. Kristi Castlin: Track and Field

Kristi Castlin is an Atlanta-born track and field star who brought home the bronze medal in the 2016 Summer Olympics. She currently shares the world record for the shuttle hurdle relay.

4. Christian Taylor: Track and Field

Christian Taylor was born in Fayetteville, GA and specializes in the triple jump and long jump. He brought home gold medals in the triple jump in both the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.

5. Maya Moore: Basketball (left in photo)

Maya Moore was born in Missouri, but this all-star player got her basketball career started at Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, GA. She went on to have additional success playing for the UConn women's basketball team, and was the first pick in the 2011 WNBA draft. She has won four WNBA championships for the Minnesota Lynx. Not only has she won an Olympic gold medal, but she was also included on Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2020 list.

6. Martha Hudson: Track and Field (second from left in photo)

Martha Hudson (later Pennyman) was born in the small town of Eastman, GA. She won a gold medal in the 1960 Summer Olympics, and was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1986.

7. Forrest "Spec" Towns: Track And Field

Forrest "Spec" Towns was a track and field star. He was born in Fitzgerald, GA and immediately showed promise on the football field while attending high school in Augusta. He received a football scholarship to the University of Georgia, but it was in the high hurdles where he really made his mark. At one point, he had a 60-race winning streak. In 1936, he became the first Georgian to earn an Olympic gold medal while setting a world record. After his retirement from the track, he would serve as head track and field coach at the University of Georgia. The UGA track and field facility is named Spec Towns Track in honor of this legend.

8. Alice Coachman: High Jump

Alice Coachman was born in Albany, GA and made history as the first black woman to win an Olympic gold medal. She took home the lofty prize in the 1948 high jump event. She returned to America something of a celebrity, and had many parades in her honor. She even became the first African-American woman to endorse an international product (she was signed by Coca-Cola in 1952). An elementary school in Albany is named for her today.

9. Dwight Phillips: Track and Field (left in photo)

Dwight Phillips is considered one of the best long jumpers of all time. He was born in Decatur, GA and represented the United States in the 2004 Summer Olympics, where he took home gold. He was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2018.

10. Edith McGuire: Track and Field

Edith McGuire (later Edith McGuire Duvall) is an Atlanta-born sprinter who found immense success in the 1960s. She performed in both the sprint and long jump, and brought home multiple medals from the 1964 Summer Olympics. After retirement, she became a teacher, and now owns several fast food restaurants in California.

11. Julie Richards: Equestrian

Julie Richards is an equestrian born in Newnan, GA. She brought home the bronze medal in team eventing in the 2004 Summer Olympics. She still resides in Newnan today, where she owns a farm and is an eventing trainer.

Can you think of any other notable Olympians from Georgia? Share your knowledge in the comments!

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