# Florence Griffith Joyner

> American track and field athlete (1959-1998)

**Wikidata**: [Q31082](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q31082)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Griffith_Joyner)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/florence-griffith-joyner

## Summary
Florence Griffith Joyner, known as "Flo-Jo," was an American track and field athlete renowned for her record-breaking performances in sprinting. She is widely regarded as one of the fastest women in history, holding world records in the 100-meter and 200-meter events that remain unbroken decades later.

## Biography
- **Born**: December 21, 1959
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: Attended California State University, Northridge and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- **Known for**: Setting world records in the 100-meter (10.49 seconds) and 200-meter (21.34 seconds) sprints
- **Employer(s)**: Competed for the United States in international athletics
- **Field(s)**: Track and field (sprinting)

## Contributions
Florence Griffith Joyner made groundbreaking contributions to track and field, particularly in sprinting. Her world records in the 100-meter (10.49 seconds) and 200-meter (21.34 seconds) events, set in 1988, remain unbroken. She also won three gold medals and one silver medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest sprinters of all time. Her achievements include:
- **1988 Seoul Olympics**: Gold medals in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4x100-meter relay; silver medal in the 4x400-meter relay.
- **World Records**: 100-meter (10.49 seconds) and 200-meter (21.34 seconds) records set in 1988.
- **Influence on Athletics**: Inspired generations of sprinters with her speed, style, and charisma.

## FAQs
**What were Florence Griffith Joyner's most notable achievements?**
Florence Griffith Joyner is best known for her world records in the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints, which she set in 1988. She also won three gold medals and one silver medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

**Where did Florence Griffith Joyner study?**
She attended California State University, Northridge and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she honed her athletic skills.

**What records does Florence Griffith Joyner hold?**
She holds the world records for the 100-meter (10.49 seconds) and 200-meter (21.34 seconds) sprints, both set in 1988.

**What was Florence Griffith Joyner's impact on track and field?**
Her record-breaking performances and Olympic success inspired countless athletes and elevated the profile of women's sprinting. Her records remain unbroken, underscoring her dominance in the sport.

## Why They Matter
Florence Griffith Joyner's impact on track and field is profound and enduring. Her world records, set over three decades ago, remain unchallenged, demonstrating her unparalleled speed and skill. She redefined the possibilities for female sprinters, inspiring future generations of athletes. Her Olympic success and charismatic presence also brought greater visibility to women's athletics, contributing to the sport's global popularity.

## Notable For
- **World Records**: 100-meter (10.49 seconds) and 200-meter (21.34 seconds) sprints.
- **Olympic Medals**: Three gold medals and one silver medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
- **Influence on Athletics**: Inspired generations of sprinters and elevated the profile of women's track and field.
- **Awards**: Recipient of the L'Équipe Champion of Champions award and the Associated Press Athlete of the Year award.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Florence Griffith Joyner was born on December 21, 1959, in the United States. She attended California State University, Northridge and later transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she developed her athletic prowess.

### Athletic Career
Griffith Joyner's career reached its peak in 1988, when she set world records in the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints. Her performances at the 1988 Seoul Olympics were historic, earning her three gold medals and one silver medal. Her records in the 100-meter (10.49 seconds) and 200-meter (21.34 seconds) remain unbroken, cementing her legacy as one of the fastest women in history.

### Olympic Success
At the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Griffith Joyner won gold medals in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4x100-meter relay events. She also earned a silver medal in the 4x400-meter relay, showcasing her versatility and dominance in sprinting.

### Influence and Legacy
Griffith Joyner's impact on track and field extends beyond her records. She inspired countless athletes with her speed, style, and charisma, elevating the profile of women's sprinting. Her achievements continue to be celebrated, and her records remain a benchmark for aspiring sprinters.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Griffith Joyner received numerous accolades, including the L'Équipe Champion of Champions award and the Associated Press Athlete of the Year award. These honors reflect her exceptional contributions to the sport and her status as a global athletic icon.

### Personal Life
Florence Griffith Joyner passed away on September 21, 1998. Her legacy endures through her unbroken records and the inspiration she provided to athletes worldwide.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/joyner-florence-griffith-1959-1998/)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. datos.bne.es
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. Find a Grave
6. Notable Black American Women
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
9. BnF authorities
10. World Athletics database
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. IdRef
13. BBC Things
14. The Movie Database