Bio & Stats
To download a copy of Tasha’s current Bio & Stats, please click the link below
Name: Tasha Danvers
Birthday: September 19
Coach: Darrell Smith Jr.
School: University of Southern California
Favourite vacation: Jamaica – all day!
Favorite book: Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway
Favourite Movies: Die hard with a Vengence, Return to Oz, Sound of Music, What’s Love Got To Do With It.
Favourite Quote: “It’s never too late to become what you might have been.” —George Eliot
THE EARLY DAYS
Tasha Danvers (born Natasha Danvers) is a woman of many talents. She was born to Jamaican parents, Dorrett & Donald. Both athletes, her mother competed in the high jump and javelin for Croydon Harriers and her father competed in the sprint hurdles for Herne Hill Harriers. They met when they were 15 at the English Schools and the rest is history. 
Although Tasha is her mother’s only child, she also has two half-brothers Stephen and Daniel who currently live in London. Tasha was born and raised in London, England where she lived with her mother until she was recruited to run track at the University of Southern California in 1996. Prior to that she attended Sydenham Girls School where she experienced some of her very first athletic successes. After attending Westminister University & Bromley College for a short period and trying to juggle her athletic career and studies, she decided accept the offer to attend the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
LEAVING THE NEST
From the beginning it was clear Tasha was destined to become one of USC’s true track stars. In her first year, not only did she become the PAC-10 400m Hurdles Silver Medallist, she was also an NCAA finalist. During her USC career, she continued her streak of success by winning or placing in the top 3 in several PAC-10, and NCAA Championships, not only in the 400m Hurdles, but the 100m Hurdles, High Jump, and 4×4 relay. USC’s head coach referred to Tasha as being ‘arguably USC’s greatest ever all-round track athlete’. Her winning personality and talent was not only recognized by her coaches but also her peers, when in 1999 as a junior she was first voted Team Captain, and then again as a senior. In 2000, she culminated her career achievements by becoming the PAC-10 and NCAA 400m Hurdles Champion, the highest possible achievement for a collegiate athlete. The year 2000 also saw Tasha break the USC school record (which still stands today) and become a Sydney Olympic Games Finalist in both her individual event and the relay. This achievement made Tasha the second woman in British history to ever compete in a 400m Hurdles Olympic Final.
THE SHOW MUST GO ON
After graduating from USC with a B.S. in Music Industry, Tasha has continued her athletic success as a professional athlete. Some of her earlier achievements include Commonwealth Games Finalist, European Championships Finalist, European U23’s Champion, the World University Games Champion and National Champion (on several occasions). In 2003 she set a personal best time of 54.02, which placed her 2nd on Great Britain’s All-Time List, behind Sally Gunnell (the former World Record Holder). In 2004, she took time off to give birth to her son Jaden Wayde Smith born December 8. Seven months after giving birth, in 2005, Tasha was back on the track competing at her National Championships where she placed 5th. This was the only year in her professional career where she was not ranked in the top 10 in the world. Her dedication continued to amaze those following her career when in 2006 not only was she back to being ranked #1 in Great Britain and 6 in the world, but she became the Commonwealth Games Silver Medalist.
In February 2007 she was awarded her Alma Mater’s highest honour, when she was inducted into the U.S.C. Track & Field Hall of Fame. Shortly after, she suffered from an injury, which took her out of training for 2 months, but just as with her pregnancy, this did not stop her. Tasha fought her way back to the top, finishing her season again ranked #1 in Great Britain, placing top 8 in the World Championships and running an outstanding time of 54.08 (only 6/100ths of a second off her lifetime best).
AND NOW…
After a greatly successful 2007 season Tasha forged full speed ahead into the 2008 Olympic Season. After battling through a less than smooth journey into the Olympic Stadium in Beijing, through hard work and perseverance Tasha came out victorious. Overcoming many setbacks and injuries, on August 21st she put the past behind her and stepped onto the Olympic Podium to receive her bronze medal.
On April 28th, 2009 Tasha was again recognised by Alma Mater and inducted into the USC/UCLA Dual Meet Hall of Fame. This was a great honour for her which she shared with eight other legendary athletes including Mr. Wille Banks (UCLA) 3-time Olympian, and Bob Seagren (USC) Olympic pole vault champion and former world record-holder.
Tasha is an amazing athlete with a great potential to be on the podium again at the London Olympic games in 2012. Inspiring others to their own personal success is one of Tasha’s passions outside of Track & Field. She has a particular love for children and hopes that through her success and input she will ignite their human potential and personal effectiveness. She currently does this through various public speaking engagements and personal coaching.
Outside of sport Tasha has many talents and interests which include song writing and singing. She is also an abstract artist, with many of her paintings featured in exhibitions and available for sale esign.com. Tasha Danvers is a true star and true inspiration both on and off the track. Her determination, compassion, and desire to see others succeed makes her one of life’s winners.
