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Florence Griffith Joyner

BIRTHDAY: 1959

ABOUT HER
At the age of 5, Florence Joyner was already a fast runner when her father challenged her to catch a jackrabbit. She did it. Since then she hasn't stopped challenging herself, began running track at 7 and at 14 won the Jesse Owens National Youth Games. She has been clocked at 23.5 miles per hour.

Known as the "World's Fastest Woman" for her world record times in the 100 and 200 meter events, "Flo-Jo" has three gold and one silver Olympic medals.

Known for her glamourous clothes and long nails, Joyner was named Sportswoman of the Year in 1988, Most Outstanding Amateur Athlete in America in 1989, and was inducted into the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1995. She retired from track in 1989. Since then she has worked as an honorary board member of the National Osteoporosis Foundation and was recently appointed chair of the President's Council on Physical Fitness.

AWARDS/HONORS

• "Fastest Woman in the World"
• Clocked at 23.5 mph
• 3 gold and 2 silver Olympic medals
• Most Outstanding Amateur Athlete in America in 1989
• Inducted into the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1995

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