Jackie Joyner Kersee

Olympic Champion and Health Advocate

Named after first lady Jacqueline Kennedy by her grandmother in March of 1962, Jackie Joyner-Kersee is considered one of the greatest athletes of all time. Sports Illustrated for Women voted Jackie "Female Athlete of the 20th Century," and ESPN named her one of the 50 Greatest Athletes. She received these honors by becoming the first woman to score 7,000 points and win back-to-back gold medals in the seven disciplined event, heptathlon; and by being the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the long jump, all on her way to winning 6 Olympic Medals in four consecutive Olympic Games. She is also the author of two books, A Woman's Place is Everywhere, and her autobiography, A Kind of Grace.

Off the track, Jackie Joyner-Kersee continues to keep her personal promise to be a contributing citizen of the metropolitan East and St. Louis community. In her hometown of East St. Louis, Illinois, Jackie realized her vision in 2000, when she proudly opened the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center. With Jackie's leadership, the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation raised more than $12 million to build a safe haven for young people to come, learn, play, and contribute to their communities. The JJK Center provides services to thousands of families and youth in the metropolitan St. Louis area, offering a variety of educational and recreational activities for youth and adults.

Topics

Inspiration and Motivation
Health and Wellbeing
Youth Wellness