Who Is Dawn Harper-Nelson? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on May 13, 1984, Dawn Harper-Nelson is a distinguished American hurdler renowned for her exceptional achievements in the realm of track and field. With a career spanning over a decade, she gained international recognition after winning a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the women's 100-meter hurdles. As of 2025, Dawn is 41 years old and continues to inspire aspiring athletes around the globe. Her personal journey, competitive spirit, and dedication to her sport are documented on her Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Hurdler |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 13, 1984 |
| Age | 41 Years |
| Birth Place | East St. Louis, Illinois |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country |
Popularity
Dawn Harper-Nelson's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Dawn Harper-Nelson stands tall at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and has maintained a fit and athletic physique throughout her career. As of 2025, her weight is approximately 145 pounds (66 kg). Her body measurements are noted for their extraordinary athletic proportions, exemplifying the dedication she has towards maintaining peak physical condition.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Dawn Harper-Nelson is known to keep her personal life private. As of 2025, she is reportedly in a serious relationship, although the identity of her partner remains undisclosed. The athlete often shares insights about her family and upbringing, acknowledging the support system that has played a pivotal role in her success as an athlete.
Dawn Harper-Nelson (born May 13, 1984) is an American track and field athlete who specializes in the 100-meter hurdles. She was the gold medalist in the event at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the silver medalist in the 2012 London Olympic Games and the 2017 World Championships.
Harper is the first American 100-meter hurdler to ever win gold at an Olympics and medal in the following Olympics. She is trained by Bob Kersee, husband of Jackie Joyner-Kersee, six time Olympic medalist also from her hometown of East St. Louis, Illinois. She is a member of the 2022 class of the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame.
Net Worth and Salary
Dawn Harper-Nelson's net worth is estimated to be around $2 million in 2025. This impressive figure is attributed to her successful athletic career, endorsement deals, and public appearances. While specific salary figures can vary, it is widely acknowledged that elite athletes like Dawn can earn substantial income through sponsorships and brand collaborations.
Career, Business and Investments
Dawn Harper-Nelson’s athletic career not only highlights her achievements on the track but also her business acumen. She has engaged in various entrepreneurial ventures, including fitness coaching and motivational speaking, aiming to inspire the next generation of athletes. In addition to her sporting success, she has made strategic investments in health and wellness brands, which align with her personal values and lifestyle.
In 2010 Harper suffered a knee injury at hurdle practice which ended her season early. The career-threatening injury led to surgery and rehabilitation that occurred throughout the 2010 season until the beginning of the 2011 Outdoor season.
With four months of training, Harper again made the US team placing third in the 100 meter hurdles at the USA Outdoor Championships. Getting back into championship form, she finished third in the 2011 IAAF World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, earning the bronze medal and a new personal best of (12.47).
Social Network
Dawn Harper-Nelson maintains an active presence on social media, particularly on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where she shares updates about her athletic pursuits, personal life, and advocacy for healthy living. Her follower count continues to grow as she engages with fans and encourages a positive lifestyle. Following her on social media provides fans with a closer look at her daily life and professional journey.
After the London Games, Harper continued the Diamond League tour finishing the second half of her season undefeated. First she won the Stockholm Galan Diamond League Meet. Next she traveled to Lausanne, Switzerland to post the second fastest time of her career, 12.43, at the Athletissima Diamond League Meet.
Harper concluded the 2012 season winning the Diamond League Title in Weltklasse Zurich Diamond League Meet in a time of 12.59. Her Diamond League title granted her an automatic bye to the 2013 IAAF World Championship in Moscow Russia.
Education
Dawn Harper-Nelson attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she excelled both academically and athletically. She graduated with a degree in sociology, which has contributed to her understanding of social issues and her commitment to community outreach programs. Her educational background has not only shaped her professional life but also her approach to mentoring young athletes.
In high school, Harper showed much promise in the sport by winning her first IHSA 2A state championship and breaking the Illinois state record in the 100 m hurdles her freshman year with a time of 14.03. In her freshman year, she also won the 300 m hurdles with a time of 42.70.
Her sophomore year was met with much adversity when she tore her posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and meniscus before the IHSA sectional meet. With a torn PCL and meniscus, Harper still earned a silver medal in the 100 m hurdles, but the discomfort moved her coach, Nino Fennoy, to scratch her from the 300 m hurdle finals.
She broke her own Illinois state record in the 100 m hurdles her junior year with a time of 13.54. That record time still currently stands. Senior year Harper came back and defended her titles winning her third state final in the 100 m hurdles with a time of 13.82 and the 300 m hurdles. Harper graduated from East St.
Louis Senior High as a 6-time IHSA state champion.
