NASHVILLE, TN – February 14, 2024 – Tennessee State track and field legend Jean Patton Latimer has been named to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024. The gold medal winning track star was told of the news in a video message from Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Executive Director Brad Willis. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame pays homage to the state’s rich sports history and their impact within the community. On behalf of sponsor Tennessee Lottery, the Hall offers free admission at their downtown Nashville location Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Jean Patton Latimer is a trailblazer in every sense of the word. She expanded race and gender boundaries for her sport, and was a champion athlete,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “We’re very excited to have Jean Patton Latimer as part of our 2024 Class of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.”
Jean Patton Latimer attended Meigs Grammar School, Washington Junior High, and Pearl High School in Nashville before going on to run track at Tennessee State University. In addition to track, Latimer played basketball at Pearl High School, a team that lost only four games between 1947 and 1949. Latimer won the 100-meter dash at the 1949 National AAU Outdoor Championships, the 1950 National AAU Indoor Championships, and in May of 1950, led TSU to victory at the 21st edition of the Tuskegee relays. Latimer was called the “World’s Fastest Woman” after her performance in the inaugural Pan-American Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1951, where she won gold medals for the 200 meters and the 4×100 meter relay, along with a silver in the 100 meters.
Latimer joins Austin Peay basketball coaching legend Dave Loos as the only announced members of the 2024 Class. The full 2024 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class will be released over the coming weeks.
The 2024 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will be held Saturday, July 20nd at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Ticket information will be announced at a later date.
About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, enshrines and honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers and sports administrators who have made an impact on the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, sports fans, and supporters by acknowledging life achievements implemented through sports. The Hall celebrates athletes of all forms, from all across the state. Additionally, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame aspires to educate youth about the importance of healthy habits and the positive impact they have on lifestyle choices. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is located at 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
About the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation
The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products. Since January 20, 2004, the Lottery has raised more than $6 billion to fund designated education programs, including college grants, scholarships, Drive to 55 initiatives and after-school programs. In addition to the educational beneficiaries, players have won more than $16.5 billion in prizes and Lottery retailers have earned more than $1.5 billion in commissions. For additional information, visit tnlottery.com and follow the TEL on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
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