North Carolina’s Fayetteville State University has honoured Jamaican Olympian, Inez Turner by bestowing upon her a Lifetime Achievement Award and inducting her into the 2024 Wall and Hall of Fame

Turner, the head coach of Track and Field and Cross Country at Fayetteville State was recognized on the weekend for her enduring contributions to athletics, stellar coaching career, and her legacy as an elite competitor on the international stage. 

The induction ceremony was held at the John D Fuller, Sr Recreational Athletic Complex. Turner joined an esteemed group of inductees formally enshrined into the institution’s Hall of Fame.

They include other former athletes, coaches, and the celebrated 2002 CIAA Championship Football Team. A native of Trelawny, Turner competed in the 800m and 4x400m relay at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. 

She won gold in the 800m at the 1994 Commonwealth Games and a bronze in the 4x400m relay at the 1997 World Championships. The Jamaican was also triumphant, winning several medals at the CARIFTA Games and CAC Junior Championships. 

Turner’s coaching career began in 2004 with stints at New York Track Club and North Carolina A&T State University. She was named CIAA Coach of the Year eight times. 

Joining Fayetteville State University in 2017, Turner transformed its athletics programme into a powerhouse with its women’s cross country team, Turner led the team in securing six consecutive CIAA titles. The indoor track & field team was also stellar, capturing multiple championships. 

Turner has led her teams to 23 CIAA Championship titles, each one cemented with a Coach of the Year honour.