Photo: Grace Stark ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
Grace Stark, born on May 6, 2001 in White Lake, Michigan, is a standout track and field athlete specializing in hurdles. A graduate of Lakeland High School, Grace made a name for herself by winning state championships in both the 100 meters and the 100-meter hurdles as a junior. Her performance in the hurdles set the fastest time ever recorded by a Michigan high school athlete.
Grace’s exceptional talent led her to the University of Florida, where she continued to excel. In 2022, she won the NCAA Indoor 60-meter hurdles title with a personal best time of 7.78 seconds, tying the collegiate record set by Brianna Rollins in 2013. Despite suffering a broken leg later that season, Grace made a remarkable comeback in 2024. She maintained an undefeated outdoor record, won the NCAA Division I Outdoor 100-meter hurdles championship, and secured a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team by finishing third at the Trials.
PODCAST:
August 7, 2024 ~ Lakeland High School graduate Grace Stark ran in the first round of the Women’s 100m Hurdles early this morning, and advanced to the semifinals at the Paris Olympics. Lloyd and Jamie talk with longtime Track Coach John Kababik and Teacher Mike Head about the White Lake community’s support of Stark, and how she excelled at track & field. Photo: James Lang ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
(CONTINUED) Outside of her athletic achievements, Grace is known for her dedication to her studies and her involvement in community service. She has participated in service-mission trips with her church to aid the underprivileged and is interested in studying physical therapy and working in sports medicine after her athletic career.
Grace’s journey to the Olympics is a testament to her resilience and determination. She will make her Olympic debut on August 7, 2024, in Paris, competing in the 100-meter hurdles.
VIDEO:
June 30, 2024 ~ White Lake, Michigan native Grace Stark wins the 100m Hurdles during the 2024 Track and Field Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
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