Sister-in-law Flo-Jo Died 26 Years Ago The Track & Field Community Resurfaces with Jackie Joyner-Kersee’sIconicRemark: “Ascended in Our Activity”
Other than the illustrious Florence Griffith Joyner, no one in track and field has broken the women’s 100- and 200-meter world records in 36 years. Twenty-six years after her death, her soul continues to exist in the loving remembrance of icons who respected her not only for her speed but also for her distinct sense of style. Before her time, Flo-Jo set trends in the racing world by dominating the track in one-legged catsuits, gaudy acrylic nails, and couture jewelry while outdoing her rivals in style. Not only that, but Flo-Jo furthered her legacy by marrying into one of the most recognizable sporting families.
Even today, people are enthralled by her tale of love with Olympic triple-jump champion Al Joyner; their daughter, Mary Ruth Joyner, is a living example of their close relationship. In addition, Flo-Jo won three golds and a silver at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, while her sister-in-law Jackie Joyner-Kersee took home two golds in the long jump and heptathlon. They formed a formidable team, and Jackie Joyner-Kersee remembers Flo-Jo’slegacywith fondness, even after many years had passed.
Heartfelt remarks from Jackie Joyner-Kersee regarding her sister-in-law and track and field star Joyner, Florence Griffith
Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Flo-Jo’ssister-in-lawand later track and field teammate, reportedly stated on PBS last year that “Florence transcended our sport,” according to Vogue. Jackie continued by describing how fans excitedly awaited not only Flo-Jo’smostrecent runway looks but also the amazing records she would break.
“She moved track and field from the sports page to the main page,” Jackie remarked. She attracted more people who were curious about our sport as well as about her. Flo-Jo and Jackie Joyner-Kersee were very close. As a matter of fact, Jackie and Florence were students at UCLA.
Additionally, Jackie married Bob Kersee, her track and field coach, who also happened to be Flo-Jo’scoach. Jackie and Flo-Jo were so successful at winning gold at the 1988 Seoul Olympics that they were featured together on the cover of Sports Illustrated. However, did you know that Al genuinely asked Jackie Joyner-Kersee, his sister, to put him in touch with Flo-Jo?
Al Joyner’s matchmaker with Flo-Jo was Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
Al Joyner was smitten with Florence Griffith from the moment he first saw her in a corridor at the University of Oregon during the 1980 Olympic track & field trials. When Jackie enrolled at UCLA, where Florence was also studying, Al turned to his sister for help. Jackie warned him, “She won’t like you.” When Al asked “why,” Jackie teased, “Because I don’t like you.”
In 1986, after graduating from Arkansas State, Al relocated to Los Angeles. That Halloween, he playfully spotted Florence dressed as a bride in a costume. “You’re ready to marry me,” he joked. For the next year, he continued to woo her with roses every Tuesday. Finally, on July 17, 1987, he proposed, and she wore that same dress at their wedding later that year. The soulmates welcomed Mary Ruth Joyner, born on November 15, 1990.
When Florence tragically passed away on September 21, 1998, it devastated the family. “I call her cell phone, just to listen to her voice, because it still is on the recording,” Al shared weeks after her death. The outpouring of love Al received helped him cope with the loss. Nearly six weeks later, at the Park West theater, Al Joyner and his sister, Olympic champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee, accepted the ARETE Life Award, honoring Flo-Jo’s enduring legacy.
Years after Flo-Jo’s death, from 1999 to 2003, even Al Joyner served as an assistant track & field coach specializing in women’s jumps at UCLA. The bond of love and track and field history that Flo-Jo, Al Joyner, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Bob Kersee created together still holds strong today. Jackie’s comment captures just how special their connection was. What do you think about their remarkable journey? Share your thoughts below!
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