Florence Griffith-Joyner

Florence Griffith-Joyner is my hero because she is an inspirational runner to me. Florence inspired me to run at the age of seven. Because of her, I enjoy running and it is one of my future careers. I want to run in the Olympics when I get older. If I am good enough, I’ll try to beat her record. I plan to run track for a long time and to be better than Florence Griffith-Joyner. So if you see me on the Olympics, do not be puzzled or amazed.

Florence Griffith-Joyner was born on December 21, in Mojave California. Her first name was Debrez Florence Griffith. At the age of five, Joyner was a fast runner and her father challenged her to catch jackrabbits. She began running track at the age of seven. When she was fourteen she won the Jesse Owens National Youth Games. Joyner Moved to Los Angeles and graduated from Jordan High School. She attended California State University at Northridge. Later she transferred to UCLA with the help of Bob Kersee. Kersee saw her working as a bank teller and helped her enroll.

In 1984 she qualified for the Olympics team and won the Olympic silver medal in the 200-meter dash. She then married a track and field star named Al Joyner. After her marriage, she changed her name to Florence Griffith-Joyner. On July 16, 1998 she ran the 100 meter in 10.49 seconds. Her time was faster than the men’s record in a wide range of countries. At the Seoul Olympics, she broke the record twice.

On September 21, 1998, Joyner died in her sleep at the age of 38. She had an epileptic seizure that led to her death. She is still known as the “World's Fastest Woman” for her world record times in the 100 and 200 meter events. She is a role model for young girls and women in and around the world. Flo-Jo was also known for her glamorous clothes and long nails. Her one-legged leotards and long fingernails amazed the press more than her running skills.

Griffith-Joyner is also my hero because of her style when she runs. Florence is still inspirational to me and will always be. Florence will be my favorite hero all my life. This is why Florence Griffith-Joyner is my hero.