Merlene Ottey

Merlene Ottey

Merlene Joyce Ottey (born May 10, 1960) is a Jamaican-born Slovenian track athlete. Ottey began her career representing Jamaica but since 2002 has represented Slovenia, where she now resides. She is ranked fourth on the all-time list over 60 metres (indoor), sixth on the all-time list over 100 metres and third on the all-time list over 200 metres.

Ottey has had the longest career as a top level international sprinter, which apparently has not yet concluded as she anchored the Slovenian 4x100 relay at the 2012 European Athletics Championships at the age of 52. She holds the record for the most Olympic appearances (seven) of any track and field athlete and for winning the largest number of World Championships medals (fourteen). Her career achievements and longevity have led to her being called the "Queen of the Track". Her proclivity for earning bronze medals in major championships also earned her the title of "Bronze Queen" in track circles.

Ottey was formerly married to the American high jumper and 400 m hurdler Nat Page and was known as Merlene Ottey-Page during the mid eighties.