Tar Heel Trailblazer: Sharon Couch-Fikes

Posted Feb 15, 2016
In 1991, Sharon Couch-Fikes became the first African-American to win the Patterson Medal, Carolina's highest athletic honor. The next year, she became the first track athlete from UNC to compete at the Olympic Games, in Barcelona. Twenty-four years later, she has been named a Tar Heel Trailblazer. (GoHeels.com)

Related: Track & Field

Newsletter: Matt Able Decision Time, Michael Malone on the Recruiting Trail, Kevin Thomas Commits
The NBA Draft Combine is over, and it’s decision time for UNC shooting guard Matt Able. Plus, Michael Malone hit the recruiting trail handing out...
Mon May 18, 2026

Makayla Paige Wins 800m ACC Championship
UNC Track & Field concluded the final day of the ACC Championships with three medals, highlighted by Makayla Paige (2:00.86) winning the women's 800m championships...
Sun May 17, 2026

Six Tar Heels Advance To Finals At ACC Track & Field Championships
UNC Track & Field had a good day two of the ACC Championships. Tori Goodson and Kalani Witherspoon earned spots in the women's 100m hurdles...
Sat May 16, 2026

Vera Sjoberg, Tomer Tarragano Bring Home ACC Bronze In 10k
UNC Track & Field ended day one of the ACC Championships on a high note in the 10,000m. Tomer Tarragano and Vera Sjoberg both battled...
Fri May 15, 2026