Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Date of Birth: March 3, 1962

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Biography

Jackie Joyner-Kersee is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in the history of track and field. Born Jacqueline Joyner on March 3, 1962, in East St. Louis, Illinois, she rose to prominence through her exceptional performances in the heptathlon and long jump. Joyner-Kersee’s athletic prowess was evident from a young age, and she earned a scholarship to UCLA, where she excelled in both track and field and basketball. Throughout her career, Joyner-Kersee set multiple world records and won numerous Olympic medals. She won her first Olympic gold medal in the heptathlon at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, setting a world record that still stands today. She also earned a gold medal in the long jump at the same Olympics, as well as multiple other medals in subsequent Olympic Games. In addition to her athletic achievements, Joyner-Kersee has been an active advocate for youth sports and education. She founded the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation to provide athletic and academic resources to underserved communities. Her contributions to sports and society have earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of ESPN’s 50 Greatest Athletes of the 20th Century.

5 Interesting Facts about Jackie Joyner-Kersee

1. Jackie Joyner-Kersee is the first woman to score over 7,000 points in the heptathlon.

2. She has won a total of six Olympic medals: three gold, one silver, and two bronze.

3. Joyner-Kersee was named after Jackie Kennedy by her mother, who was an admirer of the former First Lady.

4. She was diagnosed with asthma in her early teens but did not let it hinder her athletic career.

5. In 2001, she was elected to the USA Track & Field Hall of Fame.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jackie Joyner-Kersee

1. “Age is no barrier. It’s a limitation you put on your mind.”

2. “It is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret.”

3. “Once I leave this earth, I know I’ve done something that will continue to help others.”

4. “My passion is to see kids grow and become the best that they can be.”

5. “The glory is being happy. The glory is not winning here or winning there. The glory is enjoying practicing, enjoying every day, enjoying working hard, trying to be a better player than before.”