Chi Cheng

Chi Cheng was the greatest female sprinter in the world in 1969-70, but circumstances prevented her from ever showing her best form at the Olympics. She was a bit young in 1964 at Tokyo and 1968 at Mexico City, although she won a bronze medal in Mexico in the 80 metre hurdles, and then was injured in 1972.

Chi competed primarily in the United States, attending Cal Poly at Pomona, and then married her coach, Vince Reel, who also published Women’s Track & Field World, although they later divorced. She was a 10-time US champion, winning the 100 yard and 220 yards outdoors in 1970, the 100 metre hurdles in 1969, and the pentathlon in 1968. Indoors she won the 60 yards in 1970, the 60 yard hurdles in 1965-66 and 1970, and the long jump in 1966 and 1970.

Chi was world ranked #1 in the 100 metres in 1969 and 1970, and #1 at 200 metres in 1970. In the high hurdles she ranked #3 in the world in 1968-70 and #4 in 1966.

Personal Bests: 100 – 11.22 (1970); 80H – 10.51 (1968); LJ – 6.35 (1970); Pen – 4844 (1968).