Florence Griffith Joyner, affectionately known as “Flo-Jo,” is revered as one of the greatest female athletes in track and field history.
Her extraordinary speed, characterized by her one-legged racing suit and flamboyant fingernails, made her a prominent figure in the late 1980s.
She came to international prominence at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where she won three gold medals and set world records in the 100 and 200 metres – records that have yet to be broken.
File:
- Full Name: Florence Delorez Griffith Joyner
- Nickname: Flo-Jo
- Date of birth: December 21, 1959
- Age as of 2024: 65 years old (Deceased)
- Gender: Female
- Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Athlete
- Height: 5’7″ (170 cm)
- Parents: Robert Griffith, Florence Griffith
- Siblings: None
- Spouse: Al Joyner
- Children: Mary Ruth Joyner
- Relationship status: Married
- Religion: Christianity
- Ethnicity: African American
- Net worth: $1 million (at the time of her death in 1998)
Early life and education
Florence Griffith Joyner was born on December 21, 1959 in Los Angeles, California.
Growing up in a family of 11 children, she showed athletic talent from an early age.
She started running at the age of 7 and family support played a major role in nurturing her potential.
Florence attended Jordan High School in Los Angeles, where she excelled in track and field.
After graduating from high school, she attended California State University, Northridge, before transferring to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
At UCLA, under the guidance of coach Bob Kersee, she honed her skills and became an excellent sprinter.
Griffith Joyner graduated from UCLA with a degree in psychology in 1983.
Personal life
Florence Griffith Joyner married Al Joyner, the 1984 Olympic triple jump gold medalist, in 1987.
The couple have a daughter, Mary Ruth Joyner, born in 1990. Florence and Al have a deep bond, both personally and professionally, often training together.
Their marriage was seen as a partnership of mutual respect and admiration, with Al playing a key role in Florence’s continued success in the sporting field.
Career
Florence Griffith Joyner’s athletic career began in the early 1980s.
She made her international debut at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, winning a silver medal in the 200 metres.
However, it was not until the 1988 Seoul Olympics that she truly shined, winning three gold medals in the 100-meter, 200-meter and 4×100-meter relay, as well as a silver medal in the 4×400-meter relay.
Her world records in the 100 metres (10.49 seconds) and 200 metres (21.34 seconds) set at these Games still stand today.
Griffith Joyner’s career was marked by incredible speed and a unique fashion sense, including a colorful one-legged racing suit and six-inch fingernails.
Her fashion statements made her a household name and brought a new level of glamour to athletics.
Prize
- 1988: Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year
- 1988: Track and Field News Athlete of the Year
- 1988: Jesse Owens Award
- 1995: Inducted into the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame
Net worth
At the time of her death in 1998, Florence Griffith Joyner’s net worth was estimated at $1 million.
Her income comes from her sports career, endorsement deals and appearances.
Her financial legacy includes the continued use of her image and name in various events and commemorative products.
Death
Florence Griffith Joyner died on September 21, 1998, at the age of 38.
She died in her sleep at her home in Mission Viejo, California, of a seizure.
Her sudden death shocked the sporting world and fans, who mourned the loss of a remarkable athlete and inspirational figure.
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