Sports Then and Now

With the track and field portion of the 2024 Olympics underway, we look back at the career of one of the greatest athletes in Olympic history.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee is widely regarded as one of the greatest female athletes in the history of sports. Her remarkable achievements in track and field have earned her a place among the legends of the sport. Beyond her athletic prowess, Joyner-Kersee’s dedication to philanthropy and her role as a mentor have further cemented her legacy. This article explores her early life, illustrious career, and lasting impact on sports and society.

Early Life and Athletic Beginnings

Jacqueline “Jackie” Joyner was born on March 3, 1962, in East St. Louis, Illinois. Growing up in a modest household, she was introduced to sports at a young age. Her parents, Alfred and Mary Joyner, encouraged her to pursue her interests in athletics. Jackie quickly showed promise in various sports, including basketball, volleyball, and track and field.

Her talent and determination earned her a scholarship to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she excelled in both academics and athletics. Under the guidance of coach Bob Kersee, who would later become her husband, Joyner-Kersee developed her skills in the heptathlon and long jump, setting the stage for her future dominance.

Olympic Triumphs and World Records

Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s career in track and field is marked by numerous accolades and record-breaking performances. She made her Olympic debut at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, where she won a silver medal in the heptathlon. This event, which tests an athlete’s versatility across seven different disciplines, became her signature event.

1988 Seoul Olympics

The 1988 Seoul Olympics were a defining moment in Joyner-Kersee’s career. She won gold in the heptathlon, setting a world record with 7,291 points—a record that still stands today. Her extraordinary performance included personal bests in the 200 meters, long jump, and 800 meters, showcasing her incredible versatility and endurance.

In addition to her heptathlon victory, Joyner-Kersee also claimed gold in the long jump with a leap of 7.40 meters, further establishing her as the premier athlete of her time.

1992 Barcelona Olympics

At the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Joyner-Kersee defended her heptathlon title, winning her second consecutive gold medal in the event. She also secured a bronze medal in the long jump, proving her consistency and longevity at the highest level of competition.

1996 Atlanta Olympics

Despite struggling with injuries, Joyner-Kersee competed in her fourth and final Olympics in Atlanta in 1996. She managed to win a bronze medal in the long jump, demonstrating her determination and resilience. Her Olympic career concluded with an impressive tally of three golds, one silver, and two bronze medals.

Beyond the Olympics

Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s success extended beyond the Olympic Games. She won four World Championship gold medals and set multiple records in the heptathlon and long jump. Her achievements earned her numerous accolades, including being named the Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th Century by Sports Illustrated for Women.

Philanthropy and Legacy

While Joyner-Kersee’s athletic achievements are remarkable, her contributions off the track are equally impressive. In 1988, she founded the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, which aims to provide youth, adults, and families with athletic, academic, and leadership opportunities. The foundation operates the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center in East St. Louis, offering a wide range of programs to empower the local community.

Joyner-Kersee has also been an advocate for asthma awareness, having battled the condition throughout her career. She has worked with organizations such as the American Asthma Foundation to raise awareness and support those affected by the condition.

Mentor and Role Model

Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s influence extends beyond her philanthropic efforts. She has served as a mentor and role model for countless young athletes, particularly women and girls in sports. Her story of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness has inspired many to pursue their dreams, regardless of the challenges they may face.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Joyner-Kersee has received numerous awards and honors, recognizing her contributions to sports and society. She was inducted into the USA Track & Field Hall of Fame in 2004 and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Hall of Fame in 2012. In addition, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2020, the highest civilian honor in the United States.