Spotlight Biography
Tianna Madison (Bartoletta) was born and raised on the north side of Elyria, Ohio, and attended Windsor Elementary, Northwood Junior High, and Elyria High School, where she graduated in 2003. A self-described ‘awkward kid,’ Tianna found solace in track and field, and became a 9x state champion, earning a full scholarship to the University of Tennessee. After college, Tianna went on to become a professional athlete, winning 9 total global medals, including 3 Olympic gold, 3 World Championship gold, and 3 Word Championship bronze medals.
Currently, Tianna is a professional track and field athlete, reigning Olympic champion training to make her third (3rd) U.S. Olympic team, writer, advocate, and yogi.
3 Questions for Tianna Madison (Bartoletta):
1. When you think of your accomplishments, what are YOU most proud of?
I’m most proud of turning my passion into a career by being intentional and deliberate with the plan.
2. What does it mean to be a living example of Black and woman’s history?
It means that we are role modeling what can be possible NOW. It means that someone right now is wondering how to move from this level to the next, and can use me as an example and a resource to learn how to do it!
3. Who are some of your heroes and why?
Jesse Owens for sure. Fellow Ohioan who endured a lot of adversity, but his legacy will live on forever.