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Florence Griffith Joyner was born on December 21, 1959. She was the seventh out of eleven children. It was recollected at the age of seven that she love to run. At the age of 14, she joined the national youth games which began her track and field career. She continued to compete through high school and college. -
Florence won her first silver medal running the 200-meter race. She became well known for her speed and unique appearance. -
During her Olympic career, She won 3 gold medals, 1 silver medal in 4 by 100 relay, 100 meters, and 200 meters races. One of her greatest accomplishments was setting a new world record of 10.49 in the 100 meters race. -
After retirement, she was still involved with athletics. This lead her to be appointed co-chair of the president‘s council on Physical Fitness. Flo Jo furthered to establish her own foundation for children in need.
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Six years later after the Seoul Olympics Flo Jo was honored and inducted into the Track and Field Hall of Fame. Around this time, she started training again for the Olympics but her coming back couldn’t happen because of her problems with her right Achilles tendon. -
Florence passed away due to an epileptic seizure she was 38 years old. She left behind a husband and daughter. Years later Flo jo is still one of the fastest women in the world. -
During Flo Jo’s era, there weren’t many black people who competed in the Olympics. However, Flo Jo made history by setting a world record in track and field as a black woman. She inspired other black people to follow their dream.