Damu Cherry

Damu Cherry (born December 29, 1977) is a retired American track and field athlete who specialized in the 100 meters hurdles. Over her career, Cherry achieved significant success on the international stage, including a fourth-place finish at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

Early Life and Education

Damu Cherry was born in Tampa, Florida. She developed an interest in track and field while attending high school in her hometown. Cherry's early promise in hurdling led her to pursue the sport at a collegiate level. She attended the University of South Florida, where she continued to excel in her specialty, the 100 meters hurdles.

Career

Cherry's professional career began to gain traction in the early 2000s. She competed in various national and international competitions, gradually improving her times and her standings at major events.

Olympic Performance

Cherry's most notable performance came at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, where she competed in the 100 meters hurdles. After advancing through the preliminary rounds, Cherry narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth in a highly competitive final. This performance marked the peak of her athletic career and established her as one of the top hurdlers in the world at that time.

Other Competitions

Beyond the Olympics, Cherry also competed in the World Championships in Athletics, where she represented the United States. Her participation in other international competitions, including the IAAF World Indoor Championships and various Diamond League meetings, contributed to her reputation as a consistent and competitive hurdler.

Coaching and Retirement

After retiring from professional competition, Cherry transitioned into coaching. She has been involved in coaching young athletes in track and field, focusing particularly on hurdling techniques. Her experience as an Olympic-level athlete has made her a valuable mentor to aspiring hurdlers.

Legacy

Damu Cherry remains an influential figure in American hurdling. Her journey from a collegiate athlete to an Olympic competitor serves as an inspiration to many young athletes, particularly women in track and field. Cherry's dedication to the sport and her transition into coaching demonstrate her ongoing commitment to the development of future generations in athletics.

See Also

• List of Olympic athletes
• Track and field in the United States