Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Announces Lillie Leatherwood to Class of 2021
12/2/2020 11:25:00 AM | Track & Field, Cross Country
The Tuscaloosa native became the Crimson Tide’s first female Olympic gold medalist
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – University of Alabama track and field legend Lillie Leatherwood has been selected for induction to the Class of 2021 Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, the Board of Directors of the State of Alabama Sports Hall of Fame announced earlier this week.
The Class was selected by ballot through a statewide selection committee; votes were tabulated by the accounting firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers.
I’m truly honored to receive this award with the other inductees. Thanks to everyone that made this possible.Lillie Leatherwood
Leatherwood was a three-time NCAA champion in the 400 meters during her time at the University of Alabama, and a 10-time All-American from 1984-87. She was also an eight-time SEC event champion, including three event wins at the 1987 SEC Outdoor Track & Field Championships (200 meters, 400 meters, 4×100-meter relay). Her UA school records in the 200 meters and 400 meters have stood since 1987.
In 1984, she became the University of Alabama’s first female Olympic gold medalist as a member of the United States’ 4×400-meter relay team at the Los Angeles Games. In 1987, she was named SEC Female Athlete of the Year, won silver in the 400 meters at the World Indoor Championships, and won bronze in the 4×400-meter relay at the World Outdoor Championships. In 1988, she won an Olympic silver medal as a member of the 4×400-meter relay team at the Summer Olympics in Seoul. In 1991, she won silver at the World Outdoor Championships with the 4×400-meter relay team and bronze at the World Indoor Championships with the 4×400-meter relay team.
Starting with the first class in 1969, this will be the 53rd Class inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. The 53rd Annual Induction Banquet and Ceremony will be held in the Birmingham Ballroom, at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, on May 8, 2021.
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