When looking at Dawn Harper's life, it is not surprising that hurdles was the Olympic sport of her choice—before her Gold win, Harper's life was filled with struggle and uncertainty, but her faith and a subconscious drive pushed her to succeed. Growing up in East St. Louis, Missouri, Harper always knew that she had to work hard in order to succeed. Her work and determination brought her to UCLA where she graduated as a star track athlete. Harper's life did not get easier after becoming a professional athlete. While training, she held three jobs and came home late at night, only to wake at dawn to practice. With barely enough money to even eat, it was nearly impossible to stay healthy and in shape for her rigorous training. On top of this daily battle, Harper was forced to undergo knee surgery less than four months before the Olympic trials. Understanding the stigma injured athletes receive, Harper revealed her surgery only to her closest family and her coach—who supported her all the way. Yet, despite all this—Harper pushed when many would give up, and she got her chance at Beijing—coming out of it with a Gold medal and a new life.

Dawn is stronger than ever and continuous to dominate in her event. She is the U.S. Outdoors National Champion in the women's 100mH and holds the fourth fastest time by an American under any conditions.



Career Highlights:

2009
- 1st place 100mH Rome GL
- 1st place 100mH Paris GL
- 1st place 100mH Zagreb
- 1st place 100mH Athletics Bridge
- 1st place 100mH National Championships
- 1st place 100mH Jamaica Invitational
- 1st place 100mH adidas
- 2nd place 100mH Zurich GL
- 1st place 4x100m Johnson/JJK
- Champion: Visa Championships Series

2008

- 1st place 100mH Beijing Olympics
- 1st place 100mH Zagreb
- 1st place 100mH Shanghai
- 1st place 100mH Pedro's Cup
- 1st place 60mH Bronco
- 2nd place 100mH Eugene
- 3rd place 100mH Modesto
- 3rd place 100mH Saint-Denis
- 3rd place 100mH National Championships
- 4th place 100mH WAF

2007

- 1st place 100mH Paris
- 1st place 100mH Bron
- 1st place 100mH Albertville
- 1st place 100mH Chambery
- 1st place 100mH Reims
- 1st place 100mH Tallinn
- 1st place 100mH Leverkusen
- 1st place 100mH Wattenscheid
- 1st place 100mH Dubnica
- 2nd place 100mH Rio de Janeiro
- 2nd place 100mH Belem
- 3rd place 100mH Shanghai
- 3rd place 100mH Baie Mahault
- 4th place 100mH Stockholm
- 4th place 100mH Eugene
- 4th place 100mH Linz

2006

- 1st place 100m Westwood
- 1st place 100m Northridge
- 1st place 200m Westwood
- 1st place 4x100m Westwood
- 2nd place 100mH Westwood
- 2nd place 100mH Provo
- 3rd place 60mH NCAA
- 4th place 100mH NCAA

2005

- 1st place 60m Nampa
- 1st place 60mH Nampa
- 2nd place 100mH Los Angeles
- 2nd place 100mH Pac 10
- 2nd place 100mH West
- 2nd place 60mH Fayetteville
- 3rd place 60mH NCAA
- 3rd place 100mH NCAA

2004

- 2 Time All American Honors at NCAA
- 3rd place 60mH Seattle
- 3rd place 100mH Westwood
- 3rd place 100mH West
- 4th place 60mH NCAA

2003

- 2nd place 100mH Pac 10
- 2nd place 100mH Westwood
- 2nd place 100mH Los Angeles
- 3rd place 60mH MPSF
- 3rd place 60mH Seattle
- 4th place 100mH Stanford