# Jackie Joyner-Kersee

> American track and field athlete

**Wikidata**: [Q209390](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q209390)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackie_Joyner-Kersee)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jackie-joyner-kersee

## Summary
Jackie Joyner-Kersee is an American track and field athlete renowned for her exceptional achievements in athletics, particularly in the heptathlon and long jump. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female athletes of all time, known for her record-breaking performances and numerous accolades in international competitions.

## Biography
- **Born**: March 3, 1962
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- **Known for**: Dominating track and field, particularly in the heptathlon and long jump
- **Employer(s)**: Affiliated with UCLA
- **Field(s)**: Track and field, athletics

## Contributions
Jackie Joyner-Kersee has made significant contributions to the world of track and field. She has set multiple world records, including in the heptathlon and long jump, and has won numerous Olympic medals. Her performances have redefined the standards of excellence in women's athletics. She has also been a prominent advocate for sports and physical education, inspiring countless athletes worldwide.

## FAQs
### What is Jackie Joyner-Kersee known for?
Jackie Joyner-Kersee is best known for her extraordinary achievements in track and field, particularly in the heptathlon and long jump. She has set world records and won multiple Olympic medals, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest female athletes in history.

### Where did Jackie Joyner-Kersee study?
Jackie Joyner-Kersee attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she honed her athletic skills and became a standout competitor in track and field.

### What awards has Jackie Joyner-Kersee received?
Jackie Joyner-Kersee has received numerous awards, including the James E. Sullivan Award, the Jesse Owens Award, and the Track & Field News Athlete of the Year. She has also been recognized with the Library of Congress Living Legend award and the Order of Lincoln, the highest award given by the state of Illinois.

### What is Jackie Joyner-Kersee's impact on athletics?
Jackie Joyner-Kersee has had a profound impact on athletics, particularly in track and field. Her record-breaking performances have set new benchmarks for excellence, and her advocacy for sports has inspired generations of athletes to pursue their dreams.

## Why They Matter
Jackie Joyner-Kersee matters because she has redefined the possibilities for female athletes in track and field. Her record-breaking performances and numerous accolades have set new standards of excellence, inspiring countless athletes to push their limits. Her advocacy for sports and physical education has had a lasting impact on the promotion of athletics worldwide.

## Notable For
- Setting world records in the heptathlon and long jump
- Winning multiple Olympic medals
- Receiving the James E. Sullivan Award
- Being honored with the Jesse Owens Award
- Being named Track & Field News Athlete of the Year
- Receiving the Library of Congress Living Legend award
- Being awarded the Order of Lincoln
- Advocating for sports and physical education

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Jackie Joyner-Kersee was born on March 3, 1962. She attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she developed her athletic skills and became a prominent figure in track and field.

### Athletic Career
Jackie Joyner-Kersee's athletic career is marked by numerous record-breaking performances. She has set world records in the heptathlon and long jump, and has won multiple Olympic medals. Her achievements have cemented her legacy as one of the greatest female athletes in history.

### Awards and Recognition
Jackie Joyner-Kersee has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to athletics. These include the James E. Sullivan Award, the Jesse Owens Award, and the Track & Field News Athlete of the Year. She has also been honored with the Library of Congress Living Legend award and the Order of Lincoln, the highest award given by the state of Illinois.

### Advocacy and Influence
Beyond her athletic achievements, Jackie Joyner-Kersee has been a prominent advocate for sports and physical education. Her advocacy has inspired countless athletes worldwide to pursue their dreams and push their limits.

### Legacy
Jackie Joyner-Kersee's legacy is one of excellence and inspiration. Her record-breaking performances and numerous accolades have set new standards of excellence in track and field, and her advocacy for sports has had a lasting impact on the promotion of athletics worldwide.

## References

1. Czech National Authority Database
2. [Bob Kersee - Track & Field Coach - UCLA](https://uclabruins.com/sports/track-and-field/roster/coaches/bob-kersee/88)
3. College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com
4. USA Track & Field athlete database
5. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/about/awards-and-honors/living-legends/jackie-joyner-kersee/)
6. [Source](https://www.collegiatewomensportsawards.com/archives/trackfield)
7. [Source](https://maysville-online.com/top-stories/189001/maysville-resident-to-receive-honorary-doctorate)
8. [Source](https://www.spelman.edu/docs/honorary-degrees/honorary-degree-recipients-1977-present---as-of-november-2021-reformatted.pdf?sfvrsn=225f7c51_0)
9. [Source](https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/news/2008/04/24/joyner-kersee-to-deliver-rogers/38112426007/)
10. [Source](https://www.nafsa.org/people/jackie-joyner-kersee)
11. [Source](https://www.spelman.edu/docs/honorary-degrees/honorary-degree-recipients---1977-present---as-of-november-2022---revised-(012023).pdf?sfvrsn=f4347e51_2)
12. Notable Black American Women
13. International Standard Name Identifier
14. Virtual International Authority File
15. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
16. FemBio database
17. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
18. World Athletics database
19. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
20. [Source](https://www.worldathletics.org/search/?q=Jackie+JOYNER-KERSEE)
21. [Source](https://www.worldathletics.org/athletes/_/062683)
22. CONOR.SI