1. Overview
Kimberly "Kim" Seals, born Kim Turner, is a distinguished American former track and field athlete, primarily known for her prowess in the 100 metres hurdles. Her career highlights include winning a bronze medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, a testament to her dedication and competitive spirit. Beyond her Olympic success, Turner achieved significant victories at national and international levels, including a silver medal at the Pan American Games and multiple United States Championships titles. After concluding her competitive career, she transitioned into coaching, contributing nearly two decades to nurturing future athletes, embodying a lasting commitment to the sport and community. This article details her early life, athletic achievements, and her impactful post-competition career.
2. Early Life
Kim Turner's journey into athletics began in her formative years, shaped by her family background and early education.
2.1. Birth and Family Background
Kimberly Turner was born on March 21, 1961, in Birmingham, Alabama, United States. Throughout her life, she used different surnames, being known as Kim Turner during her early career, later as Kim McKenzie, and eventually as Kimberly Seals.
3. High School
Turner demonstrated exceptional athletic talent during her secondary education at Mumford High School in Detroit, Michigan. While attending Mumford High, she established a remarkable record in the 110-yard hurdles, achieving a time of 13.6 seconds. This performance set a NFHS national high school record, which remains standing. The federation subsequently converted its record-keeping to metric distances shortly after her achievement.
4. Athletics Career
Kim Turner's professional athletic journey saw her specialize in the 100m hurdles, where she consistently competed at the highest levels, both nationally and internationally.
4.1. Major International Competitions
Turner participated in several prominent international athletic events, showcasing her talent on the global stage.
4.1.1. Olympic Games
Turner's most notable international achievement came at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, United States. Competing in the 100m hurdles, she secured a bronze medal, clocking a time of 13.06 seconds. In a dramatic photo-finish, she tied for third place with Michèle Chardonnet of France. The race was won by her compatriot Benita Fitzgerald-Brown, with Shirley Strong of Great Britain finishing second.
4.1.2. Pan American Games
In 1983, Turner represented the United States at the 1983 Pan American Games held in Caracas, Venezuela. She earned a silver medal in the 100m hurdles, completing the race in 13.39 seconds, further solidifying her international profile.
4.1.3. World Championships and World Cup
Turner also competed in major global track and field events. At the 1989 IAAF World Indoor Championships in Budapest, Hungary, she finished fourth in the 60m hurdles with a time of 7.92 seconds. Two years later, at the 1991 IAAF World Indoor Championships in Seville, Spain, she placed seventh in the 60m hurdles final, running 8.05 seconds. Her international career continued into 1992, where she finished fifth at the 1992 IAAF World Cup in Havana, Cuba, recording a time of 13.36 seconds in the 100m hurdles.
4.2. United States Championships and Trials
Domestically, Kim Turner was a dominant force in the 100m hurdles, achieving multiple national titles and strong performances at the US Olympic Trials.
As Kim Turner, she won the 100m hurdles at the 1984 US Olympic Trials in Los Angeles, California, with a time of 13.12 seconds. This victory was particularly notable as it was one of the closest races in history, with Benita Fitzgerald-Brown (second), Pam Page (third), and Stephanie Hightower (fourth) all finishing just one-hundredth of a second behind her, each clocking 13.13 seconds.
Later, competing as Kim McKenzie, she secured the 100m hurdles title at the 1988 US Championships in Tampa, Florida, with a time of 12.84 seconds, narrowly defeating Benita Fitzgerald-Brown, who finished in 12.85 seconds. A month after this victory, she placed fifth in the 100m hurdles final at the 1988 US Olympic Trials in Indianapolis, Indiana, with a time of 13.01 seconds.
In 1989, she won the 55m hurdles at the US Indoor Championships in New York City, New York, with a time of 7.39 seconds. She also placed second in the 100m hurdles at the 1989 US Championships in Houston, Texas, running 12.91 seconds. Turner continued to compete at the national level, finishing sixth in the 100m hurdles at the 1990 US Championships in Norwalk, California, with a time of 13.38 seconds. In 1991, she won another national indoor title, securing first place in the 60m hurdles at the US Indoor Championships in New York City with a time of 8.12 seconds. Later that year, she finished seventh in the 100m hurdles at the 1991 US Championships in New York City, recording 13.23 seconds. Her final appearance at the US Olympic Trials was in 1992, where she finished twelfth in the semifinal of the 100m hurdles with a time of 13.28 seconds, held in New Orleans, Louisiana.
5. Competition Record
Kim Turner's competitive career spanned many years, with consistent performances at both international and national events.
Note: In 1984 and 1988, the US Olympic Trials were separate events from the National Championships.
| Representing United States | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Pan American Games | Caracas, Venezuela | 2nd | 100 m hurdles | 13.39 |
| 1984 | Olympic Games | Los Angeles, United States | =3rd | 100 m hurdles | 13.06 |
| 1989 | World Indoor Championships | Budapest, Hungary | 4th | 60 m hurdles | 7.92 |
| 1991 | World Indoor Championships | Seville, Spain | 7th | 60 m hurdles | 8.05 |
| 1992 | World Cup | Havana, Cuba | 5th | 100 m hurdles | 13.36 |
| National Championships/Trials | |||||
| 1984 | US Olympic Trials | Los Angeles, California | 1st | 100 m hurdles | 13.12 |
| 1988 | US Championships | Tampa, Florida | 1st | 100 m hurdles | 12.84 |
| US Olympic Trials | Indianapolis, Indiana | 5th | 100 m hurdles | 13.01 | |
| 1989 | US Indoor Championships | New York City, New York | 1st | 55 m hurdles | 7.39 |
| US Championships | Houston, Texas | 2nd | 100 m hurdles | 12.91 | |
| 1990 | US Championships | Norwalk, California | 6th | 100 m hurdles | 13.38 |
| 1991 | US Indoor Championships | New York City, New York | 1st | 60 m hurdles | 8.12 |
| US Championships | New York City, New York | 7th | 100 m hurdles | 13.23 | |
| 1992 | US Championships/Olympic Trials | New Orleans, Louisiana | 12th (sf) | 100 m hurdles | 13.28 |
6. Post-Athletics Career
Following her distinguished competitive career, Kim Turner transitioned into a significant role as a coach, dedicating herself to the development of new generations of athletes. She served as the track and cross country coach at Alabama A&M University for a remarkable period of almost 20 years, from 1996 to 2015. This long tenure highlights her enduring commitment to the sport and her passion for mentorship.
7. Legacy
Kim Turner's legacy extends beyond her individual athletic achievements, encompassing her profound impact as a coach and mentor. Her bronze medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics cemented her place in American track and field history, showcasing her exceptional talent and perseverance. However, her nearly two decades as a track and cross country coach at Alabama A&M University represent a significant contribution to the athletic community, where she undoubtedly influenced and guided numerous student-athletes. Her sustained involvement in the sport, transitioning from a top-tier competitor to a dedicated educator, underscores her lasting dedication and positive community impact, making her a respected figure in the world of athletics.