Michael MARSH

Mike Marsh was recognized as a world class sprinter by the late 1980s, but made his international début at the 1991 World Championships with the US 4x100 m relay, running only in the heats. At the 1992 US Olympic trials, Marsh finished second behind Michael Johnson in the 200 m to make the US Olympic team. In Barcelona, Marsh surprised all observers in the semi-final, when he slowed near the end but still finished in 19.73, just 1/100th of a second slower than the current world record. Marsh then won the gold medal, in a slower time, beating early leader Frankie Fredericks of Namibia. Marsh helped set a world record in the final of the 4x100 m, as the American team completed the race in 37.40.

At the 1993 World Championships, Marsh placed a disappointing fourth in the 200 m, while at the 1995 Worlds, he was fifth in the 200. In 1996, Marsh managed to qualify for three sprint events at the Olympics in Atlanta, and he reached the final of all three, placing fifth in the 100 and eighth, and last, in the 200. The American 4x100 m relay team, with Marsh running third leg, was favored for the gold, but were surprised by the Canadians in the final, and had to settle for silver. Marsh retired from international athletics after the 1997 season, when a foot injury hampered him at the World Championships.

Personal Bests: 100 – 9.93 (1992); 200 – 19.73 (1992).