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.