Births on April 13

Michael Bingham, American-English sprinter

Michael Bingham, born on April 13, 1986, is a distinguished British track and field athlete renowned for his prowess in the 400 metres. His journey in athletics is a compelling blend of international heritage and dedicated performance, culminating in a notable career representing Great Britain on the global stage.

Early Life and Athletic Foundations

Bingham’s unique background began in Sylva, North Carolina, where he was one of five children born to his British citizen father, Norris Bingham, and his mother, Mollissie. This foundational connection to Great Britain through his father would later become a pivotal aspect of his professional athletic career. Following his parents' separation when he was young, Michael was raised by his mother. His formative years were spent attending The McCallie School, a prestigious independent preparatory school in Chattanooga, Tennessee, known for its rigorous academic and athletic programs. It was during this period that Bingham truly began to showcase his exceptional athletic versatility and dominance. He established an impressive array of school records, demonstrating his talent across various disciplines including the 100 metres, 200 metres, 300-meter intermediate hurdles (300IH), 4 × 100 metres relay, 4 × 200 metres relay, 4 × 400 metres relay, 110 metres hurdles, and the demanding decathlon. This early success underscored his potential as a multi-talented track and field star.

Collegiate Career and Allegiance Transfer

After graduating from high school, Bingham continued his athletic and academic pursuits at Wake Forest University, a highly respected NCAA Division I institution. While honing his skills at the collegiate level, a significant decision shaped his international career path. On April 30, 2008, Michael Bingham formally transferred his athletic allegiance, choosing to represent Great Britain, the country of his father's citizenship. This strategic move allowed him to compete for a nation with a rich track and field heritage and provided him with opportunities on the international circuit. His transfer proved almost immediately fruitful, as he swiftly earned a place on the Great Britain 4 × 400 metres relay team.

Olympic Debut and International Breakthrough

Bingham's debut representing Great Britain came at the highest level of international competition: the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. As part of the 4 × 400 metres relay team, he contributed to a commendable performance, securing a bronze medal for Great Britain. This Olympic achievement marked a significant milestone early in his international career. The following year, at the 2009 World Championships in Athletics, another major global event, Bingham continued to impress. He demonstrated his individual strength in the 400 metres, running a personal best time of 44.74 seconds in the semi-finals. This exceptional performance qualified him for the final, where he ultimately finished seventh, a remarkable achievement on the world stage. Not content with individual success, he once again played a crucial role in the Great Britain 4 × 400 metres relay team, alongside teammates Conrad Williams, Robert Tobin, and Martyn Rooney, where they collectively earned a silver medal, further cementing their status as one of the world's elite relay squads.

Career Highlights and Personal Milestones

Throughout his career, Michael Bingham's dedication to his sport was evident, and his talent was recognized by prominent figures in athletics. He was notably managed for a period by the legendary American sprinter Michael Johnson, whose guidance undoubtedly contributed to Bingham's professional development and profile within the sport. Beyond the track, Bingham also marked a significant personal milestone. On November 9, 2013, he married fellow American-born sprinter Shana Cox. Like Michael, Shana also made the decision to represent Great Britain internationally, creating a unique bond and shared experience for the athletic couple.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did Michael Bingham represent Great Britain?

Michael Bingham chose to represent Great Britain due to his father, Norris Bingham, being a British citizen. Athletes with dual citizenship or ancestral ties often have the option to represent the country of their heritage, and for Bingham, this opened up opportunities on the international stage.

What are Michael Bingham's major athletic achievements?

His major achievements include a bronze medal with the Great Britain 4 × 400 metres relay team at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics and a silver medal with the 4 × 400 metres relay team at the 2009 World Championships in Athletics. He also achieved a personal best of 44.74 seconds in the 400 metres semi-finals at the 2009 World Championships, finishing seventh in the final.

Who is Shana Cox?

Shana Cox is an American-born sprinter who, like Michael Bingham, also made the decision to represent Great Britain in international athletics. She and Michael Bingham were married on November 9, 2013.

Where did Michael Bingham attend school and university?

He attended The McCallie School for his preparatory education and later studied at Wake Forest University, an NCAA Division I institution.

What is Michael Bingham's personal best time in the 400 metres?

Michael Bingham's personal best time in the 400 metres is 44.74 seconds, which he achieved in the semi-finals of the 2009 World Championships in Athletics.