Florence Griffith-Joyner's Track Career

Florence Griffith- Joyner was a record breaking women’s track star. She participated in the Olympics and earned many medals. She was not only known for her excellent performance on the track but also her unique clothing style. How was early life and growing up for Florence? How was Florence’s journey to fame and excellence? How was Florence’s life after her track career?
Florence Griffith- Joyner otherwise known as Flo-Jo was born in Los Angeles, California on December 21, 1959. Her father’s name is Robert Griffith and her mother’s name is also Florence Griffith. She was child number seven out of eleven. Florence was four when her mother moved the family to the Watts area of Los Angeles. Even though Florence’s family was poor her childhood was filled with happiness and joy. Florence attended
the Sugar Ray Robinson Youth Foundation. She ran the 50 and 70 Meter dash and always beat the boys in races. She won the Jesse Owens National Youth games 2 years in a row.
Florence Attended California State University, Northridge where she planned to major in business. A year later she dropped out of college because of a shortage of funds. Florence’s coach persuaded her to apply for financial aid and go back to school. Soon her college coach moved to UCLA and she followed. Her major was later changed from business to psychology. Joyner got really passionate about running and thought that Kersee was the best coach for her. During her time at UCLA Joyner had the opportunities to compete against some of the best athletes.
After competing in the Olympics twice, winning an array on medals and breaking world records Joyner announced her retirement.
Even after she was still sought after for her style in the U.S. and the rest of the world. She later founded, coached, and served as the president of the Flo- Jo International Track Club. In 1991 Joyner Planned to train for a marathon but difficulties with her Achilles tendon forced her to stop training. In 1996 Florence suffered a seizure and was admitted to the hospital. September 21, 1998 Flo- Jo died in her home from a heart seizure. After her death rumors about her using performance enhancing drugs went about and the truth of the matter is she never failed a drug test and the autopsy showed that her death was not from drug use.

Florence Joyner was and extraordinary athlete and deserved all the praises and accolades anyone could ever get. She has inspired so many African American athletes to get out there and show off their talent. Even though her sudden death was surprising and the nation cried as a whole Florence is still a prime example of own great we can be if we take time out and apply ourselves and work hard towards what we want in
life.