Who Was Florence Griffith Joyner? Fastest Woman In The World Till Date

Florence Griffith Joyner's journey in sprinting commenced at the tender age of seven, where her passion for racing began to blossom. However, at the age of nineteen, she was compelled to sideline her athletic dreams temporarily to support her family. It was during this hiatus that fate intervened in the form of sprint coach Bob Kersee, who discovered her working as a bank teller and facilitated her enrollment at UCLA.

In 1984, amidst the grandeur of the Olympic Games held in her hometown of Los Angeles, Griffith won a silver medal in the 200m event. However, it was not her remarkable speed but her extravagant, 15cm-long fingernails with vibrant colors that captured the media's attention. Following her marriage to Al Joyner, the 1984 triple jump Olympic champion, she embraced the name "Flojo."

Making History & Unbreakable World Records

July 16, 1988, marked a historic moment in the world of track and field as Griffith Joyner shattered Evelyn Ashford's 100m record with an astonishing time of 10.49 seconds during the US Olympic Trials. Her feat not only eclipsed existing records but also surpassed men's records in numerous countries.

The 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul witnessed Griffith Joyner's meteoric rise to prominence. She not only shattered Olympic records but also set two world records, a feat that remains unmatched to this day. Tragically, her illustrious career was cut short when she succumbed to a form of epileptic seizure at the age of 38.

Legacy Beyond the Track

Born on December 21, 1959, in Los Angeles, California, Griffith Joyner's legacy extends far beyond her remarkable achievements on the track. Despite retiring in 1989, she continued to make significant contributions to society, establishing a foundation for underprivileged children and advocating for physical fitness during her tenure as co-chair of the President's Council on Physical Fitness.

Presently, Griffith Joyner stands honoured as one of the preeminent figures in track and field, credited with transforming women's sprinting through her exceptional speed and distinctive fashion sense. Over three decades since her triumphs at the Summer Olympics in South Korea, she continues to hold the world records for both the 100 and 200 meter sprints.

In recognition of her indelible impact on the sport, Griffith Joyner was honoured by the Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1995,  setting as a role model to aspiring women athletes worldwide. Though her untimely demise left a void in the world of athletics, her enduring legacy continues to inspire generations, serving as a testament to the transformative power of dedication, resilience, and unwavering determination.