Chryste GAINES

Chryste Gaines was a sprinter who was never really the top sprinter in the United States but who compiled a superb international record in relays. Gaines competed at the 1996 and 2000 Olympics, winning gold in the 4x100 in 1996 and bronze in 2000. She also won international 4x1 relay golds at the 1991 Pan American Games, the 1995 and 1997 World Championships, and the 1998 World Cup. Individually Gaines won the 100 metre gold medal at the 1995 Pan American Games and won one USA title in the 100, that in 2001. She also won the USA indoor sprint title at 60 metres in both 2001 and 2002. At the World University Games she won three gold medals – the 4x100 in 1991 and 1993 and the 100 metres in 1991.

Gaines attended Stanford, graduating in 1992 and studying pre-med. She won the 1992 NCAA Indoors at 55 metres, and then won the NCAA outdoors 100 metres, after finishing third in that event in 1991. Gaines had a long career, competing through 2008. She served a doping suspension in 2005-07. Gaines later became a high school track and cross-country coach.