Benita Fitzgerald, Tennessee: Collegiate Athlete Hall of Fame, Class of 2024

Benita Fitzgerald broke barriers and records as a hurdler at Tennessee, becoming the first collegiate athlete to finish the 100-meter hurdles in under 13 seconds. Her groundbreaking time of 12.97 at the 1982 Penn Relays was just the beginning, as she continued to push the limits, eventually lowering her best time to 12.84 in 1983. Fitzgerald’s speed and agility earned her back-to-back NCAA titles in the 100 hurdles in 1982 and 1983, adding to her 1981 AIAW Championship victory and bringing her total collegiate national crowns in the event to three.

Fitzgerald’s excellence extended beyond the collegiate arena; she was a formidable competitor on the national stage, consistently finishing at the top of the TAC national championships throughout her college career. Her senior year was marked by significant achievements on the international circuit, as she reached the finals at the inaugural World Championships and captured gold at the Pan-American Games. Additionally, Fitzgerald showcased her versatility and speed by contributing to the U.S. 4×100 relay team’s gold medal win at the 1981 World University Games, further cementing her legacy as one of the top U.S. hurdlers of her time.