Florence Griffith Joyner

Florence Griffith Joyner, known as FloJo, was an American track and field athlete, born on December 21, 1959, in Los Angeles, California. She is widely acknowledged as one of the fastest women in history. Griffith Joyner began her professional career in athletics in the late 1970s, but it was in the 1988 Seoul Olympics that she truly made her mark, winning three gold medals and setting world records that still stand today.

Griffith Joyner was known for her incredible speed, strength, and flamboyant style. She won numerous awards and holds multiple records, including the fastest times in the 100m and 200m sprints.

Outside the track, Griffith Joyner was recognized for her charity work and her influence in the world of fashion.

Early Career

• Griffith Joyner was born and raised in California and started running track at a young age. She first gained notice at the 1982 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championships when she finished second in the 200 meters.

1984 Los Angeles Olympics

• Early Success: Griffith Joyner won her first Olympic medal, a silver in the 200 meters, at the 1984 Los Angeles Games.

1988 Seoul Olympics

• Record-breaking Performance: In 1988, Griffith Joyner had an historic performance at the Seoul Olympics, setting world records in the 100m and 200m sprints that still stand today. She won three gold medals and one silver.

USA National Team

• Debut: Made her international debut in the late 1970s.

Achievements:

• 1988 Seoul Olympics: Won three gold medals and one silver, and set world records in the 100m and 200m sprints.
• She retired in 1989, a year after her historic performance in Seoul.

• Disciplines: Known for her exceptional speed and strength in sprint events, particularly the 100m and 200m.
• Style: Renowned for her flamboyant style, including her long, decorated fingernails and colorful running outfits.

• Family: Griffith Joyner was married to Al Joyner, the 1984 Olympic triple jump champion. They had one daughter together.
• Philanthropy: After retiring from athletics, Griffith Joyner was involved in various charitable activities, including the Florence Griffith Joyner Foundation, which promoted physical fitness in children.

• Florence Griffith Joyner is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records, but also for her unique style and personality. Her impact on the sport of athletics and her status as an icon extend beyond the track, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

World Records:

• 100m: 10.49 seconds, set in 1988
• 200m: 21.34 seconds, set in 1988

Olympic Medals:

• 1984: Silver in 200m
• 1988: Gold in 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay; Silver in 4x400m relay

Books

• Griffith Joyner, Florence, & Steptoe, V. (1992) Running for Dummies. New York: IDG Books.
• Krull, K. (1996) Lives of the Athletes: Thrills, Spills (and What the Neighbors Thought). New York: Harcourt Brace.

Websites

• Olympic.org: Information about Florence Griffith Joyner’s Olympic career and achievements. Available at: https://www.olympic.org
• World Athletics: Details about Griffith Joyner’s career and records. Available at: https://www.worldathletics.org

Articles

• ESPN: Florence Griffith Joyner: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.espn.com/espnw/athletes-life/the-buzz/article/13559466/florence-griffith-joyner-career-numbers
• The Guardian: Florence Griffith Joyner’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/sep/21/athletics

Documentaries

• Florence Griffith Joyner: Larger Than Life (2009): Directed by ESPN. This documentary provides a detailed look at Griffith Joyner’s life and career.