A 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist and 1995 IAAF World Champion, Derrick Adkins is an accomplished track runner. He began showing his prowess for jumping hurdles at a young age, and in 1991 he placed third at the U.S. national championships for the 400-meter hurdles. From there, he went on to win the World Student Games in Sheffield and place sixth in his first World Championships. Derrick Adkins continued training, eventually improving his running until he won the World Championships in 1995. During much of this time, Derrick Adkins also ran for Georgia Tech, which had offered him a scholarship, while studying for his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. While at college, he became a four-time All-American and a two-time NCAA Champion. He has been inducted into the Georgia Tech Athletics Hall Fame, the Nassau County Sports Hall of Fame, and is a Georgia Tech Council of Outstanding Young Engineering Alumni. Now a retired athlete, he spends his time working as the senior representative with the New York Road Runners and as an advisor for the Armory Foundation. Derrick Adkins is very engaged in youth and community services, speaking at over 100 schools a year in regards to sports and motivation. He was recognized for his community service by Lehman College in 2014. He is also a member of the Brooklyn Tabernacle and a supporter of Athletes in Action.