The My Hero Project - Florence Griffith-Joyner

Celebrate the best of humanity.

SPORTS HERO:

FLORENCE GRIFFITH-JOYNER

Florence Griffith Joyner was one of the greatest athletes of all time. She was born in the city of Los Angeles and began track at the young age of 7. She then, at age 14, won the Jesse Owens National Youth Games. She received her education and furthered her track career at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Florence's amazing grace and agile speed was evident whenever she was on the field. During the 1988 Seoul Olympics "Flo-Jo," as her fans call her, captured golden triples at the Games in the 100, 200 and 4x100 meters relay. She still holds world records in the 100- and 200-meter dashes that she achieved during 1988 and she set the 100 mark of 10.49 seconds at the quarterfinals of the 1988 Olympic trials, and since then, no woman has even broken 10.60. She also broke the 200- meter record with a time of 21.34. There is only one other American woman that has accomplished a time less than 21.70, Marion Jones.

Last changed on: 6/9/2004 11:09:02 PM

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