# Shawn Crawford

> American sprinter

**Wikidata**: [Q9075](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9075)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shawn_Crawford)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shawn-crawford

## Summary
Shawn Crawford is an American sprinter who competed professionally from 2001 to 2009. He is best known for winning gold medals in the 200 meters at the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2007 World Championships.

## Biography
- Born: January 14, 1978
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Clemson University
- Known for: Olympic and World Championship gold medalist in sprinting
- Employer(s): Professional athlete (2001-2009)
- Field(s): Track and field (sprinting)

## Contributions
Shawn Crawford's primary contributions were as a competitive sprinter representing the United States in international competitions. He achieved gold medals in the 200 meters at both the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2007 World Championships. Crawford also won a silver medal in the 200 meters at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, though this was later upgraded to gold after the original winner was disqualified for doping violations.

## FAQs
What are Shawn Crawford's most notable athletic achievements?
Crawford won gold medals in the 200 meters at the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2007 World Championships. He also won a silver medal in the 200 meters at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which was upgraded to gold after the original winner was disqualified for doping.

Where did Shawn Crawford compete collegiately?
Crawford competed for Clemson University, where he developed his sprinting abilities before turning professional in 2001.

What is Shawn Crawford's nickname?
Crawford was known by the nickname "Cheetah Man" during his competitive career.

## Why They Matter
Shawn Crawford matters as one of the premier American sprinters of the early 2000s, achieving success at the highest levels of international competition. His Olympic gold medal in 2004 and World Championship victory in 2007 established him as one of the world's fastest men during his prime. Crawford's career also highlights the complexities of competitive athletics, as evidenced by his 2008 Olympic silver medal being upgraded to gold following a doping disqualification of the original winner.

## Notable For
- Olympic gold medalist in the 200 meters (2004 Athens)
- World Championship gold medalist in the 200 meters (2007 Osaka)
- Silver medal in the 200 meters at the 2008 Beijing Olympics (later upgraded to gold)
- Known by the nickname "Cheetah Man"
- Represented the United States in international competition from 2001-2009
- Competed collegiately for Clemson University

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Shawn Crawford was born on January 14, 1978, in the United States. He attended Clemson University, where he developed his sprinting abilities and prepared for a professional career in track and field. Clemson University, founded in 1889, is a public institution located in South Carolina.

### Professional Career
Crawford turned professional in 2001 and competed as a sprinter until 2009. His specialty was the 200 meters, though he also competed in the 100 meters. During his professional career, Crawford represented the United States in numerous international competitions and established himself as one of the world's premier sprinters.

### Major Achievements
Crawford's most significant achievement came at the 2004 Athens Olympics, where he won the gold medal in the 200 meters. This victory cemented his status as one of the fastest men in the world. He followed this success with a gold medal performance in the 200 meters at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, Japan.

### Olympic Controversy and Resolution
At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Crawford initially won the silver medal in the 200 meters. However, the original gold medalist, Usain Bolt's countryman, was later disqualified for doping violations. As a result, Crawford's silver medal was upgraded to gold, giving him a second Olympic gold in the event.

### Physical Attributes
Crawford stood 181.0 cm (5 feet 11 inches) tall and weighed 75.0 kg (165 pounds) during his competitive career. These physical characteristics were typical for a world-class sprinter in his events.

### Legacy and Impact
Crawford's career spanned from 2001 to 2009, during which he achieved success at the highest levels of international competition. His Olympic gold medal in 2004 and World Championship victory in 2007 established him as one of the premier American sprinters of his era. Crawford's career also demonstrates the importance of anti-doping measures in sports, as his 2008 Olympic medal was upgraded following a disqualification for doping violations.

## References

1. World Athletics database
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Olympedia