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Engraved portrait of Florence Griffith Joyner
Sports · 1980s

Florence Griffith Joyner

In memoriam 1959–1998
Track and Field (sprinting)Sport
United States Olympic TeamTeams
3x Olympic gold (1988); 1988 Sullivan AwardTitles
World records 100m (10.49) and 200m (21.34), both still standingRecords
Florence Delorez Griffith Joyner, Los Angeles, CaliforniaBorn
The Turning Point

After winning silver in the 200m at the 1984 Olympics, 'Flo-Jo' transformed herself into the fastest woman in history during the 1988 season. At the US Olympic Trials she ran a stunning 100m in 10.49 seconds, then dominated the Seoul Olympics with three golds and a world-record 200m. Her flamboyant style and blazing speed made her a global sensation in 1988.

Florence Griffith Joyner, the fastest woman in history
Florence Griffith Joyner, the fastest woman in history

Los Angeles Sprinter

Born in Los Angeles, Griffith Joyner ran track at UCLA. She won a 200m silver at the 1984 Olympics before stepping away briefly from the sport.

Griffith Joyner (left) with Valerie Brisco-Hooks in 1984
Griffith Joyner (left) with Valerie Brisco-Hooks in 1984

The 1988 Explosion

Returning with intense training, she shattered the 100m record at the 1988 Trials and dominated the Seoul Olympics with three golds. Her blend of speed and style made her track's biggest star.

An Enduring Legacy

Flo-Jo retired in 1989 at the peak of her fame. Her sudden death in 1998 at 38 shocked the world, but her records and glamorous image remain iconic.

Career Timeline

  1. 1959Born in Los Angeles, California
  2. 1984Wins 200m silver at Los Angeles Olympics
  3. 1988Runs 100m in 10.49 at US Olympic Trials
  4. 1988Wins 100m gold at Seoul Olympics
  5. 1988Sets 200m world record (21.34) in Seoul final
  6. 1988Wins 4x100m relay gold, third Seoul gold
  7. 1988Wins James E. Sullivan Award
  8. 1989Retires from competitive track and field
  9. 1995Inducted into USA Track & Field Hall of Fame
  10. 1998Dies in her sleep at age 38

Biggest Hits

1988
100m world record (10.49)Set at US Trials; still stands today
1988
Olympic 100m goldWon Seoul final in 10.54 seconds
1988
200m world record (21.34)Set in Seoul final; remains unbroken
1988
Olympic 4x100m relay goldThird gold of the Seoul Games
1988
James E. Sullivan AwardTop US amateur athlete of the year
1995
USA Track & Field Hall of FameHonored among American track greats
Did You Know
  • Flo-Jo's world records in the 100m and 200m, set in 1988, remain unbroken more than three decades later.
  • She was famous for her one-legged running suits and dramatically long, decorated fingernails.

Portrait: White House Photographic Office · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons

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