Introduction
Kimberly Ann "Kim" Gallagher (June 11, 1964 – November 18, 2002) was an American middle-distance runner who won a silver and a bronze medal at the 1984 and 1988 Olympics.
Records
National high school records
- 800 Meters – 2:00.07
- 3200 Meter Relay – 8:58.43 (T. Pahutski, K. Baldwin, W. Crowell, K. Gallagher)
PIAA state records
- 800 meters – 2:05.47
- 1600 meters – 4:41.08
- 1600-meter relay – 3:49.61 (T. Pahutski, K. Baldwin, C. Woldecke, K. Gallagher)
- 3200-meter relay – 8:58.43 (T. Pahutski, K. Baldwin, W. Crowell, K. Gallagher)
Accomplishments
Gallagher was a High School All-American at Upper Dublin High School, Penn Relays Champion, won twelve PIAA gold medals and was a Pennsylvania State Champion in Track & Field and cross-country. She was inducted into the Pennsylvania Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1995 and into the Penn Relays Hall of Fame in 1996.
In 2005, Gallagher was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at Upper Dublin High School as part of the inaugural class.
Personal life
Gallagher took up athletics following her brother Bart, who coached her in her early years. In 1983, she abandoned her studies at the University of Arizona because they interfered with her training. She married John Corcoran of Oreland, Pennsylvania, where the couple made their home.
Death
After the 1988 Olympics, Gallagher was diagnosed with colon cancer. She refused chemotherapy and used vitamins, diet, and rest as a remedy, which initially appeared effective. But the cancer reemerged in 1994. In her last years, she used a wheelchair, and died from a stroke aged 38. She was survived by her mother Barbara, father John, husband John Corcoran, and 13-year-old daughter Jessica Smith.