Gwen Gardner (born September 7, 1960) is an American female track and field sprinter who specialized in the 400-meter dash. An African-American,Smith, Todd A. (2008-07-01). African Americans in Sports: Jackie Robinson of Gymnastics A Dream Denied . Regal Magazine. Retrieved on 2016-04-10. she grew up in Los Angeles, California.New Book Chronicling 1980 U.S. Olympic Boycott Features Stories From Four Members of USA Olympic Swim Team. Swimming World Magazine (2008-05-22). Retrieved on 2016-04-10. Collegiately she competed for the UNLV Rebels and was among their best sprinters in the mid-1980s.UNLV Rebels Outdoor Individual Records . UNLV Rebels. Retrieved on 2016-04-10.
Gardner looked to be a key figure for the United States track team after a runner-up finish to Sherri Howard in the 400 m at the 1980 United States Olympic Trials, but the boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics meant she ultimately did not compete in Moscow.Hymans, Richard (2008). The History of the United States Olympic Trials - Track and Field . USA Track and Field. Retrieved on 2016-04-09. The Liberty Bell Classic was organised for the boycotting nations and Gardner topped the field at this event, winning in 52.04 seconds ahead of Canada's Charmaine Crooks.Olympic Boycott Games. GBR Athletics. Retrieved on 2016-04-09. She also placed third in the 400 m at the 1980 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, held separately that year.Gwen Gardner. Track and Field Brinkster. Retrieved on 2016-04-10. Gardner was one of 461 Olympic athletes to receive a Congressional Gold Medal.
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