Hazel Clark

Hazel Clark (born October 3, 1977) is a retired American middle-distance runner who specialized in the 800 meters. She is a three-time Olympian and a multiple-time national champion.

Early Life and Education

Hazel Clark was born in Livingston, New Jersey. She is the daughter of Joe Clark, a notable educator and subject of the film Lean on Me. Hazel attended Columbia High School in Maplewood, New Jersey, where she began her running career. She later attended the University of Florida, where she competed for the Florida Gators and earned multiple NCAA titles.

Athletic Career

Hazel Clark's professional career took off in the late 1990s. She won her first national title in the 800 meters at the 1998 USA Outdoor Championships. She went on to win several more national titles in the 800 meters, establishing herself as one of the top middle-distance runners in the United States.

Olympic Participation

Clark represented the United States in three consecutive Summer Olympics: 2000, 2004, and 2008. Although she did not medal, her participation in these events solidified her status as a top-tier athlete.

World Championships

In addition to her Olympic appearances, Clark competed in multiple World Championships. Her best performance came in the 2005 World Championships, where she reached the finals in the 800 meters.

Personal Life

Hazel Clark comes from a family of athletes. Her sister, Joetta Clark, and her brother-in-law, Jearl Miles-Clark, are also accomplished middle-distance runners. Hazel is married to Emanuel Stewart, and they have two children.

Post-Retirement

After retiring from competitive running, Hazel Clark has been involved in various initiatives to promote track and field and healthy living. She has worked as a coach and motivational speaker, sharing her experiences and knowledge with the next generation of athletes.

See Also

• List of University of Florida Olympians
• List of American middle-distance runners