Debbi A. LAWRENCE

Debbi Lawrence was a three-time Olympian as a race walker. She started as a distance runner at the University of Wisconsin at Parkside, winning the 1,500 metres at the 1982 NAIA Championships (as Debbi Spino). Shortly after that win, knee problems forced her to give up competitive running and she switched to race walking. Lawrence initially hated race walking but persevered and became the top walker in the United States in the 1990s. She won eight US outdoor titles and four indoor titles, adding a silver medal in the 10K at the 1991 Pan American Games. Lawrence also won a bronze medal at the 1988 Pan American Race Walking Cup. She competed at the World Championships in 1991, 1993, 1995, and 2001.

Personal Bests: 10kmW – 44:42 (1992); 20kmW – 1-33:48 (2000).