Florida State University Athletics
Florida State Athletics Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1997
During her four years at Florida State, Kim Batten established herself as one of the finest track athletes in school history. Batten starred in multiple events for the Lady Seminoles including the long jump, triple jump, and the 100, 200, and 400 meter dashes.
As a nine time All-American, Batten set school marks in all three hurdle events (55 m, 100 m, and 400 m) from 1988-91 and advanced to the NCAA Championship each year. Batten was named to the Metro Conference's Most Outstanding Female Athlete in each of FSU's last three years in the league.
As a professional, Batten has recorded some of the greatest honors on the world track and field circuit. She set the world record in the 400 meter hurdles with a mark at the 1995 World Championships in Goteburg, Sweden with a time of 52.61.
In February of 1996, Batten received the ESPY Award for Women's Track and Field Performer of the year, beating out Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Gwen Torrence in the voting. At the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, the FSU graduate won the silver medal in the 400 meter hurdles.
Batten came to FSU relatively un-recruited despite being a prep All-American at East High School, Rochester, NY. She served as a volunteer assistant coach during the 1996 season.
