Although she won her Olympic title at 200 m, Edith McGuire of Tennessee State was initially a better prospect at the shorter sprint and the long jump. In 1963 she won these two events at both the AAU indoor and outdoor meets and won the 100 m at the Pan American Games, where she also won bronze in the long jump. In the Olympic year, she specialized in the longer sprint to good effect and was undefeated in major races over 200 m throughout the season. Prior to her Olympic victory Edith McGuire won the AAU 200 m in 1964 and defended her title at 220y in 1965. Indoors she won the AAU 200y in 1965 and the 220y in the following year. McGuire eventually married (Mrs. Duvall), became a teacher, and settled in Detroit, where she worked with underprivileged children as part of a federal program.
Personal Bests: 100 – 11.47 (1964); 200 – 23.05 (1964); LJ – 19-4¾ (5.91) (1961).
United States