Born August 19, 1946, Long Beach, Calif.

Another of the distinguished Tennessee State University products that included Wilma Rudolph and Wyomia Tyus, Martha Watson dominated the American women's long jumping scene during her lengthy career. In 1964, just barely out of high school, she placed second in the long jump at the U.S. Olympic Trials to make the American team. She was to make three more Olympic teams (1968-72-76) as a long jumper, also running a leg on the U.S. 4 x 100 relay teams in 1972 and 1976. Watson won a total of eight U.S. long jump titles (five indoor, three outdoor) during her career (1964-76). That included three straight at the indoor nationals (1974-76) and three straight outdoors (1973-75). Twice, she bettered the American indoor record (20-11 1/2 in 1970 and 21-4 3/4 in 1973). At the 1975 Pan American Games, Watson took a silver medal in the long jump and a gold medal in the 4x100 relay. Watson, who retired after the 1980 season, currently lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.