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Dawn Harper-Nelson is the daughter of Henry and Linda Harper. She has two sisters, Keya and Shivani, and two brothers, Bryton and Shiven. She is married to her childhood love, Alonzo Nelson, who she met on the track team in eighth grade. After winning gold medal at 2008 Beijing Olympics, governor of her home-state of Illinois named October 6 as Dawn Harper Day to honor her achievements. She serves as the spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association and a community ambassador for United Way of Greater St. Louis. She supports the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, which helps tutor children in the St. Louis are. Currently, she is preparing to earn her PhD in psychology and currently studies French.