Hershey's Track & Field Alumnus
The Hershey's Track & Field Games pave the way for a successful and productive future by instilling in children a sense of motivation and accomplishment. Our track & field participants go on to lead rewarding lives off the track, applying this motivation to college degrees and careers. A few of our alumni, however, go on to excel at higher levels of track & field, and accomplish what many athletes consider the ultimate goal: Olympic Gold.
Joanna Hayes
- Born:
- December 23, 1976
- Hometown:
- Williamsport, PA
- College:
- UCLA
- Specialty:
- 100 Meter Hurdles
Athletic achievements:
- 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist 100 Meter Hurdles
- Olympic 100 Meter Hurdles record holder
- 1999 NCAA 400 Hurdles Champion
- 2003 Pan Am 400 Hurdles Gold Medalist
- 2004 Jesse Owens Award Winner
Notable facts:
- From 2001 to 2002, Joanna worked at the Jackie-Joyner Kersee Youth Center in East St. Louis, teaching children to develop a positive approach to life
- Her father, Ted Hayes, founded Dove Village, an outreach program for homeless people in Los Angeles.
- Joanna eats very healthy on a daily basis, and fulfills her desire for chocolate at least "once a month." Hershey's believes this could be the key to her success!
Joanna's quote:
"I still remember the pride and confidence I took away from participating in Hershey's Track & Field Games... I appreciate that."
