Florence Griffith Joyner is still the fastest woman in history and one of the most famous sprinters ever. Known for her bold style, she remains a controversial figure. Some believe she used performance-enhancing drugs to set records. But what’s the real story? Was she a cheater, or just the fastest sprinter with a unique fashion sense? Let’s find out.
Early Life
Florence Delorez Griffith was born on December 21, 1959, in Los Angeles, California. She was the seventh of 11 children. Her mother, also named Florence, worked as a seamstress, while her father, Robert, was an electrician.
A Tough Childhood
The Griffith family originally lived in Sun Village, north of Los Angeles. But when her parents separated, her mother raised the children alone. They moved to the Jordan Downs housing projects in Watts, a neighborhood with many challenges.
Witnessing Change
In 1965, when Florence was six, the Watts Riots broke out after the arrest of a young Black man. Growing up in that environment shaped her mindset. She became competitive, determined, and creative.
Passion for Running and Fashion
From a young age, Florence loved two things—running and fashion. At seven, she started using her mother’s sewing machine to make her own track outfits. Later, her unique style became one of her trademarks.
Competitive Spirit
Her brothers pushed her to be strong. She once said they toughened her up by playing rough. If she wanted to keep up, she had to be just as competitive.
Early Success
As a teen, she joined the Sugar Ray Robinson Youth Foundation and played multiple sports. But sprinting was where she stood out. At 14 and 15, she won gold at the Jesse Owens National Youth Games, catching the attention of coaches.
Meeting Bob Kersee
In high school, Florence set sprinting and long jump records. Coach Bob Kersee noticed her talent. He became her mentor and changed her career path.
College and Financial Struggles
She joined California State Northridge but had to drop out to help her family. She worked as a bank teller until Kersee helped her get financial aid at UCLA.
Olympic Dreams
By 1980, she finished fourth in the Olympic Trials but missed the Moscow Olympics due to the U.S. boycott. That same year, she met Al Joyner, a fellow athlete who would later become her husband.
Rising to the Top
Training with Al’s sister, Jackie Joyner, helped Florence improve. In 1982 and 1983, she won NCAA sprint titles. Her career was taking off.
The 1984 Olympics
After graduating from UCLA in 1983, Florence competed in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. She won a silver medal in the 200 meters in front of her hometown crowd. Her future was just beginning.
