The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Hall of Honor
- Induction:
- 2017
Sport: Track and Field (1993-95)
Inducted: 2017
A 10-time All-American and three-time NCAA Champion, Merlene Frazer is one of the top short sprinters in Texas Track & Field history. In each of her two years with the Longhorns, Frazer helped the women's team finish in the top six at the NCAA Championships both indoors and outdoors, including third-place finishes at indoors both years. The Longhorns swept the Southwest Conference Championships with Frazer leading the way by winning both short sprints titles indoors and out each of her years. In total, Frazer won 12 SWC titles and played a key role on the relays during an era that saw the Longhorns dominate the SWC. Frazer twice won NCAA crowns in the 200 meters, claiming the title outdoors in 1994 and then indoors in 1995. The 1995 4x400 relay team also won the NCAA title indoors. Frazer's professional career took off after her time on the Forty Acres, as she won an Olympic silver medal and three IAAF World Championship medals. She helped Jamaica finish fourth at the 1996 Olympic Games in the 4x400 meter relay. Frazer finished fourth in the 200 meters at the 1997 IAAF World Indoor Championships, then helped Jamaica earn silver in the 4x100 meter relay at the 1997 IAAF World Outdoor Championships. In 1999, Frazer won her first individual medal at a world championship meet, taking bronze in the 200 and also winning bronze on the 4x100. In 2000, Frazer and her Jamaican teammates took silver at the Sydney Olympic Games in the 4x100. Frazer still ranks in the top 10 in school history in the 100 and 200 meters. Frazer graduated from The University of Texas in 1996 with a degree in youth and community studies. In 2003, she was hired by fellow UT Women's Hall of Honor inductee Cynthea Rhodes-Patterson to work for Home Depot, where Frazer could balance her work schedule to continue training. Now retired from her competitive career in track and field, Frazer remains with Home Depot today and has worked in several different departments and capacities within the company. She has a daughter, Cayenne Bartley.
