Florence Griffith-Joyner

Florence Griffith Joyner was born in 1959 and unexpectedly passed away on the 21 September 1998. In her running career Florence had been given the nickname of "FloJo." Griffith Joyner was the wife of 1984 Olympic triple jump gold medallist Al Joyner and sister in law of Jackie Joyner Kersee, the six times Olympic medallist and world heptathlon record holder. Griffith Joyner was only 38 years old when she passed away in her sleep. It was believed that she had suffered a heart seizure.

Today, Florence still holds the world records in the 100m and 200m dashes. She set the 100 mark of 10.40 seconds at the quarterfinals of the 1988 Olympic trials at Indianapolis. Since then, no has even broken 10.60 seconds.

At the Seoul Games she won the gold medal in a wind aided 10.54 seconds, then she smashed the world 200m record in the Olympic final, clocking 21.34. No one else has broken 21.70 seconds.

Not only did "FloJo" dazzle fans with stunning speed, she caught their attention with her colourful bodysuits and 6 inch decorated fingernails. At the 1988 trials, where she ran the fastest 100m times ever by a woman, and set a world record in the 200m, she also set a standard in track fashion. In the 1987 World Championships in Rome, she ran the first two rounds in a skintight suit similar to those that speedskater wear.

But, Florence' s health had always been a concern. In 1996, she had suffered a heart seizure on an airplane flight from CA to St. Louis. She was hospitalised for one day.

Florence Griffith Joyner was a role model for girls and young women in sports and her legacy will be one that included kindness and an interest in children.

When Griffith Joyner retired, she began designing and modelling clothes and working with children, both through sports.

Florence Griffith Joyner was the first American woman to win four medals in one Olympics, and the fact that her world records in the 100m and 200m dash still stand a decade later provides indisputable evidence that that 'FloJo' wasn't just another pretty face.

She had incredible determination, which later may inspire others to make a comeback. Griffith Joyner had awesome strength, endurance and personal drive.

FloJo was a constant reminder to those of us who may lose hope or faith in themselves, that dreams can be achieved and that goals, however far-reaching, are within our grasp.

Florence Griffith Joyner will be one person that will be missed by everyone.