Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Jackie Joyner-Kersee is a retired American track and field athlete. She was born in East St. Louis, Illinois, in 1962. She won three Olympic gold medals. Sports Illustrated named her the greatest female athlete of the 20th century.

Early Life

Joyner-Kersee grew up in a poor neighborhood in East St. Louis. She started competing in track and field as a young girl. She was also a star basketball player. She attended UCLA on a basketball scholarship.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee setting a long jump record in 1988.
Jackie Joyner-Kersee setting a long jump record in 1988. (Unknown authorUnknown author / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Achievements

Joyner-Kersee won three Olympic gold medals and six Olympic medals total. She set the world record in the heptathlon, which is a competition of seven events. She was named the greatest female athlete of the 20th century by Sports Illustrated.

Fun Facts

  • Joyner-Kersee was named after Jackie Kennedy.
  • Her heptathlon world record has stood since 1988.
  • She was also good enough to play professional basketball.

Did You Know?

Joyner-Kersee grew up with almost nothing but became one of the greatest athletes in history. She now runs a foundation in her hometown to help children who grow up in poverty, just like she did.