Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Jackie Joyner-Kersee is an American retired track and field athlete, born on March 3, 1962, in East St. Louis, Illinois. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female athletes of all time. Joyner-Kersee began her professional career with the UCLA Bruins before moving to compete professionally, where she won multiple titles, including three Olympic golds.

Joyner-Kersee is known for her incredible speed, strength, jumping ability, and versatility. She has won numerous individual awards, including the Jesse Owens Award, and holds multiple records, such as the still-standing heptathlon world record.

Off the field, Joyner-Kersee is also recognized for her philanthropy and influence, making significant charitable contributions and inspiring millions worldwide.

UCLA Bruins

• Youth and Early Career: Joyner-Kersee was born and raised in East St. Louis and began her track and field career in high school. She joined the UCLA Bruins where she demonstrated her prowess in both track and field and basketball.

Professional Career

• Early Success: Joyner-Kersee began her professional career in the 1980s. Throughout her career, she dominated the long jump and heptathlon events, setting multiple world records and winning numerous titles.

United States National Team

• Debut: Made her debut for the United States in 1983.

Achievements:

• Olympic Games: Gold medalist in the heptathlon in 1988 and 1992, and the long jump in 1988. She also won a silver medal in the heptathlon in 1984 and the long jump in 1992, and a bronze medal in the long jump in 1996.
• World Championships: She won gold in the heptathlon in 1987 and 1991, and the long jump in 1987 and 1991.

• Disciplines: Primarily a heptathlete and long jumper, but also excelled in the hurdles and high jump.
• Skills: Known for her incredible speed, strength, technical ability, and versatility. Joyner-Kersee is celebrated for her athleticism, powerful jumps, and competitive spirit.

• Family: Jackie is married to her coach, Bob Kersee. Her older brother, Al Joyner, is also an Olympic gold medalist in the triple jump.
• Philanthropy: Joyner-Kersee is involved in various charitable activities and has donated significant sums to youth education, particularly in her hometown of East St. Louis.

• Jackie Joyner-Kersee is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her work ethic, determination, and longevity in track and field. Her impact on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the field, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Heptathlon World Record:

• Score of 7291 points set in 1988

Most Decorated Female Athlete in Olympic Track and Field History:

• 6 Olympic medals

Jesse Owens Award:

• Winner in 1986 and 1987

Books

• Joyner-Kersee, J. (1997) A Kind of Grace: The Autobiography of the World's Greatest Female Athlete. New York: Warner Books.
• Lewis, D. (2018) Jackie Joyner-Kersee: Athletic Star. Minnesota: Abdo Publishing.

Websites

• USA Track & Field: Information about Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.usatf.org
• Olympics: Details about Joyner-Kersee’s career at the Olympic Games. Available at: https://www.olympic.org

Articles

• ESPN: Jackie Joyner-Kersee: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.espn.com
• The Guardian: Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com

Interviews and Documentaries

• Jackie Joyner-Kersee: American Experience (2013): This documentary provides a detailed look at Joyner-Kersee’s life and career, featuring interviews with her family, friends, and colleagues.
• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Jackie Joyner-Kersee, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.espn.com