by Anne Donofrio-Holter

Arcadia Rotarians were honored to welcome former Olympian, and track and field sprint athlete, Inger Miller as their guest speaker at a recent meeting.

Miller first recognized her talent for running while a student at Pasadena’s John Muir High School.  The daughter of the late Jamaican 100 meter Olympic medalist Lennox Miller, Miller went on to win the gold medal in the 4×100 meter relay at the 1996 Olympics games, giving the Millers the distinction of being the first father-daughter Olympic medalists.

With the support and encouragement of her father and Don Quarrie serving as her coaches, she won the 200 meter at the World Championships in 1999.  She was expected to medal in the 2000 Olympic games until suffering a hamstring injury.

Other wins include the 1999 World Championships 100 meter silver medalist, the 1997 World Championships 4×100 meter relay gold medalist and the 2003 World Outdoor 4×100 meter silver medalist.

Miller told the Rotarians her personal story of trial and triumph.

“Inger Miller is the real deal,” said Eric Barter, Arcadia Rotary Club president.  “Going through so much adversity, injuries and even a car accident on the 605 freeway just before her qualifiers.  She was very inspiring.”

Miller’s professional athletic career spanned 13 years.

Today, Miller and business partner Jill Hawkins, own and operate Miller Hawkins Productions, a full-service event planning company.

“Founded in 2002, our company was built on the premise that all clients should be guests at their own event,” said Miller.  Our motto is, Don’t Worry, We Will.”

Miller Hawkins Productions has been honored by Assembly Member Anthony Portantino as California’s Small Business of the Year and a Top 40 under 40 by Pasadena Magazine.

The current president of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce, Miller also sits on the Council of the USC Alumni Association Second Decade Society.

“It was a great story of resolve and perseverance,” said Rotarian Jim Rider. .

Miller appeared visibly moved when Barter presented her with a certificate donating a Rotary wheelchair in her name.

“From someone with world class speed, Miller’s heart-filled reaction was felt by the entire club when she was presented with the certificate of a wheelchair being donated to someone in Tijuana who would never run,” said Barter.  “She was very moved.  It was goose bump moment time at Rotary.”

The Arcadia Rotary Club meets every Friday from noon to 1:30 pm at the Embassy Suites Hotel located at 211 E Huntington Drive in Arcadia.  For additional information, go to www.arcadiarotary.org.

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