Jackie Joyner-Kersee, a retired American track and field athlete, stands as one of the all-time greats in the heptathlon and long jump. Born on March 3, 1962, in East St. Louis, Illinois, Joyner-Kersee’s illustrious career is adorned with numerous accolades and Olympic triumphs. She clinched three gold, one silver, and two bronze medals across four Olympic Games, showcasing unparalleled excellence in the heptathlon and long jump.

Her remarkable achievements extend beyond the Olympic arena. Voted the Greatest Female Athlete of All-Time by Sports Illustrated for Women magazine, Joyner-Kersee’s impact on the sport reverberated through her role on the board of directors for USA Track & Field (U.S.A.T.F.), the national governing body of track and field in the United States.

In recognition of her enduring legacy, she was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame in March 2023. Moreover, her contributions to collegiate athletics were acknowledged in April 2001 when she was voted the Top Woman Collegiate Athlete of the Past 25 Years.

Notably, at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, Joyner-Kersee secured her second Olympic gold medal in the heptathlon and added a bronze in the long jump. Her dedication to excellence and sportsmanship, coupled with her advocacy for the sport, solidify Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s enduring impact on track and field history.