| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Women'sathletics | ||
Representing the United States | ||
| Pan American Games | ||
 | 1979 San Juan | 800 m |
| 1979 San Juan | 4 × 400 m relay |
Essie Kelley-Washington (born January 12, 1957) is an American formermiddle-distance runner who specialized in the800-meter run. She was the gold medallist in that event at the1979 Pan American Games. She also represented America at the1983 World Championships in Athletics and1987 Pan American Games, reaching both finals.[1][2]
At national level at theUSA Outdoor Track and Field Championships she was a regular finalist during her career and won the 800 m twice: in 1979 then again in 1987. She was runner-up in 1978 and made her last final in 1990, taking seventh place.[1][3]
After retiring from running Kelley went into coaching. She had gained a degree in physical education fromPrairie View A&M University in 1980, where she also participated inAIAW competition.[4] She served as head coach for the1999 Pan American Games delegation and was assistant coach on the1997 Summer Universiade team.[5]
| Year | Competition | Venue | Position | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Pan American Games | San Juan, Puerto Rico | 1st | 800 m | 2:01.2 |
| 1st | 4 × 400 m relay | 3:29.4 | |||
| 1983 | World Championships | Rome, Italy | 7th | 800 m | 2:02.65 |
| 1987 | Pan American Games | Indianapolis, United States | 4th | 800 m | 2:04.66 |
