Florence Griffith-Joyner is one of the most dynamic athletes of our time. Her domination on the track is a legend that very few modern sprinters can live up to. It wasn’t just that she was the fastest woman in the world, it was her one of a kind style, timeless beauty and star presence that set her apart from other sports stars. As the world recovers from the spectacular competitions we saw at the 2024 Paris Olympics and wonder which athletes will become the next big breakout stars, we’re exploring the career of one of the most awe inspiring, unforgettable women in history. These are Florence Griffith-Joyner’s most memorable moments.
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1984: A Star is Born
At the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, Griffith-Joyner brought home two silver medals, announcing to the world that she was coming and that 1988 would belong to her.
1987: World Champion
Though she and the U.S. won gold in the 4x100m relay, Flo-Jo took home silver in the 200m, which led to some questions about her gold medal chances in the 1988 Olympics. However, she was clearly just staying consistent and peaking at the right time.
1988: Unforgettable Style
While most sprinters keep things as simple as possible on the track, Flo-Jo was known for her glorious nails and long, flowing locks. She also took plain running attire and turned it into colorful, gorgeous one-legged pieces that announced her confidence to the world.
1988: Domination in Seoul
Usually one or two athletes become the face of the Olympics. There’s no question that in 1988 one of those stars was Griffith-Joyner. Her three gold medals in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m, plus a silver in the 4x400m made her a household name.
1988: Unbreakable Records
Her world records in the 100m and 200m still stand. In Paris, Julien Alfred won the 100 with a time of 10.72, which shows today’s sprinters are getting closer to Flo-Jo’s 10.49. Meanwhile, it feels like her 21.34 record in the 200 is going to be harder to beat. Gabby Thomas won gold in Paris with a 21.83.
1988: Superstar Status
Following her phenomenal performance in Seoul, Flo-Jo became one of the most famous athletes in the world. She was in commercials, appeared on talk shows and even had a doll. She reached a level of fame that Black women athletes didn’t achieve back then. Those heights were reserved for men.
1988: Flo-Jo Meets Jackée
Shortly after her 1988 Olympics success, Flo-Jo guest starred on an episode of “227,” with Sandra hilariously dubbing her “the second fastest woman in the world.”
1989: Flo-Jo the Doll
We’re gonna need to hit Ebay and see if we can find a mint condition Flo-Jo doll with nail decals, because this looks super cool.
1992: ‘Santa Barbara’ Soap Star
In case you’re not familiar, “Santa Barbara” was a stylish soap opera that aired on NBC from 1984 to 1993. It was known as being the soap that had fun with the overdramatic aspects of the genre. In 1992, Florence guest starred as famous photographer Terry Holloway, a fashionable role that seemed tailor made for her.
1996: The Comeback That Never Was
Flo-Jo was planning a comeback for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, as she wanted to conquer the 400m, the last event on her list. We’ll never know if she would’ve dominated that race too, because tendinitis put an end to her return.
1998: Final TV Appearance
This final appearance on “Hollywood Squares” is so bittersweet, as it once again showcases her beauty, elegance and undeniable star presence.
1998: Loss of a Legend
There are certain celebrities that when they pass away, we always remember where we were when we heard the news. For Black folks, Florence Griffith-Joyner is one of those people. She transcended sports and inspired a generation of girls to be themselves as they reach for greatness.
2024: Impact and Legacy
If you watched the track and field events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, you saw Flo-Jo’s influence in the Black women who unapologetically showcased their style while competing, as well as the way someone like Gabby Thomas proudly proclaimed there was more to her than just being a sprinter.
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