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SHARRIEFFA BARKSDALE BIO

Sharrieffa Barksdale was born in Harriman, Tennessee. The 6th of 7 children, Sharrieffa was always viewed by her family as a strong-willed young lady who was full of determination and drive to become the best. This winning attitude was exemplified in her teenage years when she, as the only member of the Harriman High School girls' track team, single-handedly won the Tennessee High School State track championship. She also was named a high school All-American and identified in Who's Who across the United States.

Her determination to be a winner no matter what the odds, has shaped who she is today. Sharrieffa's commitment to her craft of running was strengthened during her 5:00 am runs she made every morning during high school. As an all-around student athlete, playing basketball, running track and cheerleading, Sharrieffa showed herself to be proficient in every endeavor she undertook.

She attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville on a track scholarship majoring in early childhood education. Her work ethic in track that she established in high school increased as she made her way through college. She was a stand out trackster at Tennessee where she became the first woman to run the 400 meter hurdles in under 55 seconds, clinching the American record. She later broke the American record again in the 400 meters hurdles, just missing the world record by a mere eight-tenths of a second! In 1984 she earned a spot representing the United States in the Olympic Games that were held in Los Angeles, California. Following the 1984 Olympics, she was honored by the city of Harriman with keys to the city, a street named after her and the local high school track where she ran was renamed "Sharrieffa Barksdale Track". Sharrieffa continued to represent the United States in international competitions around the world over years.

Sharrieffa has proven to be a champion on and off the track. Her years of retail sales experience garnered her sales awards year after year. A few years ago, she decided to seek a career that allowed her to apply her winning attitude in a more meaningful manner. As an employment specialist for Goodwill Industry she is able to help disabled and disadvantaged people to reach their potential as she counsels and advises them on how to win at life. Though her work at Goodwill she is able to use that same technique assisting athletes that she comes in contact though USA Track and Field.

Additionally, Sharrieffa has reached out to youth in the community through her volunteer efforts as the founder, director and lead choreographer of the Kentucky Diamonds and K-D Boys and Top Notch Elite Dance Team. For these youth ages 5-16, she does more than teach various moves to music, she also helps them improve their self-esteem as she teaches the youth that "they are somebody and they should let nothing stand in their way".

Sharrieffa re-entered the world of track and field in 2000 and has not slowed down, not only competing in Masters, but as a coach, asst Manager, and liaison. She has coached college athletes at Florida A&M University, Kentucky State and a personal trainer.

Ms. Sharrieffa Barksdale has over the years shown that in every aspect of life, a winning attitude goes a long way. She has shared her life story and provides motivation to others to help them unlock their potential when she speaks to groups around the world. Her speech provides powerful motivation for each of us to learn to navigate the obstacles of life in an effort to "Let Nothing Stand in Your Way".

Sharrieffa is the proud mother two wonderful children, Gentel who attends St. Augustine’s University and Javarus Henry Clay High School.

These are the places in which Sharrieffa Barksdale has spoken, just to name a few Coppin State University: Baltimore Maryland Jr. World Championship: Italy Jr. Pan American Team: Canada Jr. World Championship: Beijing China Jr. World Championship: Port of Spain Athens Chilesburg Elementary School: Lexington, KY Millcreek Elementary School: Lexington, KY E J Hayes Middle School: Lexington, KY Dunbar High School: Lexington, KY Anderson Middle School: Frankfort, KY Rosa Park Elementary School: Lexington, KY B.T Washington School: Lexington, KY Wisconsin Clinic: Milwaukee, Wisconsin Kentucky State University: Frankfort, KY Kentucky Track & Cross Country Coaches Association: Lexington, KY Fairview High School: Ashland, KY Ramsey Home for misbehaved youth: Ashland, KY California University of Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh Pennsylvania George Mason University: Virginia Gainesway Empowerment Center: Lexington, KY Northpoint Prison: Danville, KY Kentucky Federal Prison: Lexington, KY Coppin State University: Baltimore Maryland Accomplishments

Sharrieffa Barksdale University of Tennessee Early Childhood Education 1984 Olympic Team, 400m Hurdles, Personal Best 54.90 recorded 5-24-86: Los Angeles, CA 2009 Jr. World Championship, Head Manager: Port of Spain 2012 Olympic Team, Event Manager: London England 2011 World Championship, Event Manager: Dagua Korea 2009 World Championship, Event Manager: Berlin Germany 2008 Olympic Team, Asst. Manager: Beijing China 2007 World Champion Championships Asst. Manager: Osaka Japan 2006 Jr. World Championships Asst. Manager: Beijing China 2005 Jr. Pan American Team, Liaison: Canada 2004 Jr. World Championships Asst. Coach: Italy


 * 1983 Silver Medalist Pan American Team
 * 1983 Former American Record Holder, 400m Hurdles (55.58)
 * 1983 SEC Long Jump Champion 20-5 1/4
 * 1984 USA Olympic Team 400 meter Hurdles
 * 1986 Gold Medalist, U.S. Olympic Sports Committee, Sports Festival, Houston Texas
 * 1983 World Championships
 * 1983 World University Games
 * 1983 Ranked #1 in the USA 400 meters Hurdles
 * 1984 Ranked #2 in the USA 400 meters Hurdles
 * 1986 Ranked #2 in the USA 400 meters Hurdles

International Competition
 * Zurich Switzerland
 * Elon, Germany
 * Nice France
 * Budapest Hungary
 * Florence, Italy

Currently, Employment Specialist Goodwill Industries of Kentucky
 * Years of All America Honors: 1981 – 1984