From Two-Sport Star to World’s Fastest: How Abby Steiner Became Sprinting’s New Sensation
Abby Steiner’s journey from a dual-sport athlete to one of the world’s premier sprinters is a testament to her relentless dedication and adaptability.
Born in Dublin, Ohio, Steiner initially focused on soccer, earning All-American honors in high school. However, her burgeoning talent in track led her to set four state records and clinch 16 state titles. Recognizing her potential, she joined the University of Kentucky in 2018 as both a soccer and track athlete. After a standout freshman soccer season, she chose to concentrate solely on track, a decision that propelled her to unprecedented heights.
At Kentucky, Steiner shattered records and amassed accolades, including the prestigious Bowerman Award in 2022. She became the NCAA record holder in the 200m with a time of 21.77 seconds and the U.S. indoor record holder in both the 200m and 300m. Her remarkable achievements earned her the Honda Sports Award and recognition as the National Women’s Track Athlete of the Year .
Turning professional in 2022, Steiner continued her ascent. She secured gold medals in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays at the World Championships and placed fifth in the 200m. Her personal bests stand at 10.90 seconds in the 100m and 21.77 seconds in the 200m, solidifying her status among the elite sprinters globally .
Abby Steiner’s evolution from a multi-sport athlete to a world-class sprinter underscores the power of focus, resilience, and unwavering belief in one’s potential.