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Sports Then and Now



Jackie Joyner-Kersee: Track and Field All-Time Great 0

Posted on August 06, 2024 by Dean Hybl
Jackie Joyner-Kersee is one of the most decorated track and field athletes in Olympic history.

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.

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Sports Then and Now: Waiting For The Weekend 0

Posted on August 07, 2009 by Dean Hybl

Waiting for the weekendWelcome to the new weekly Friday wrap-up column on Sports Then and Now. We’ll use this space each week to look back at this week in sports history, offer some insights and opinions on what is happening today and preview some of the big sporting events coming up over the weekend.

You Can’t Pick Your Relatives
San Francisco 49ers’ draft pick Michael Crabtree probably won’t be all that happy at his next family reunion. He and his agent, Eugene Parker, are now trying to distance themselves from comments made this week by the receiver’s cousin, David Wells. Wells told reporters that Crabtree is prepared to sit out this season and re-enter the NFL draft in 2010 if he doesn’t get what they believe to be “fair market value.”

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  • Vintage Athlete of the Month

    • Louie Dampier: The First 3-Point King
      November 13, 2024 | 1:02 pm
      Louie Dampier

      Louie Dampier’s name might not resonate as widely as other basketball legends, but the Sports Then & Now Vintage Athlete of the Month’s impact on the game, particularly during the American Basketball Association (ABA) era, is undeniable. Known for his pinpoint shooting, exceptional ball handling, and relentless work ethic, Dampier enjoyed a stellar basketball career that saw him thrive in both the ABA and NBA. As one of the most consistent and prolific guards of his time, Dampier left a lasting legacy, and his role in the ABA’s history solidified his place in the annals of basketball greatness.

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