Torrence pulls out of 400 meters

Five-time Olympic medalist changes mind after racing men

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Posted: Monday July 20, 1998 12:10 PM

Torrance entered the men's 400-meter competition Sunday to check her recovery from a groin injury that has sidelined for the past two months (Gray Mortimore/Allsport)

MARIETTA, Georgia (AP) -- Five-time Olympic medalist Gwen Torrence decided not to compete at the Goodwill Games after finishing fifth in a men's race at the Georgia Games.

Torrence, 33, who lives in suburban Atlanta, said she entered the men's 400-meter competition Sunday to check her recovery from a groin injury that has sidelined for the past two months.

She finished last in a field of five, with a time of 52.25.

"I would rather finish last running against men than finish first against women," Torrence said.

Torrence had been scheduled to compete in the women's 400-meter event at the Goodwill Games on Tuesday.

She registered to run in the Georgia Games Saturday, then flew from Houston early Sunday to compete.

It wasn't hard for the surprised crowd to pick her out. In addition to being the only woman in the men's event, she was the only competitor wearing hoop earrings that matched her silver running outfit.  

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