Here are some of the most famous Olympians from Georgia

Gwen Torrence was born in Decatur, Georgia. She attended the University of Georgia and was one of the best sprinters of her generation. She won a total of five Olympic medals, including three gold, and it was no great surprise when she was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.

Wyomia Tyus was born in Griffin, Georgia and grew up on a dairy farm. She showed her talent as an athlete from a young age, setting a world record in the heats at the 1964 Summer Olympics. Over the course of her career, she won three Olympic gold medals and one silver medal. She was the first person ever to defend the Olympic title in the 100-meter dash.

Kristi Castlin is an Atlanta-born track and field star who won the bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. She currently holds the world record in the hurdles.

Born in Fayetteville, GA, Christian Taylor specializes in the triple jump and long jump, winning gold medals in the triple jump at the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.

Maya Moore was born in Missouri, but this All-Star player began her basketball career at Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, GA. She went on to play even more successfully 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. In addition to winning an Olympic gold medal, she was named to Time Magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People of 2020.

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

Born in Albany, Georgia, Alice Coachman made history as the first black woman to win an Olympic gold medal, winning the coveted prize in the 1948 high jump competition. She returned to America as something of a celebrity, and many parades were held in her honor. She was even the first African-American to endorse an international product (she was signed by Coca-Cola in 1952). An elementary school in Albany is now named after her.

Dwight Phillips is considered one of the greatest long jumpers of all time. Born in Decatur, Georgia, he represented the United States at the 2004 Summer Olympics, where he won gold. He was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2018.

Julie Richards is an equestrian born in Newnan, GA. She won the bronze medal in team riding at the 2004 Summer Olympics. She still lives in Newnan, where she owns a farm and is an eventing coach.