How do you measure a legacy? Is it in the records that stand, the inspiration that spans generations, or the way a name still echoes in the stadiums long after the cheers have faded? Florence Griffith Joyner—FloJo—wasn’t just fast, but she was a force of nature. Her 100-meter world record of 10.49 has stood for 36 years. Her 21.34 200m record is still unbroken. But she wasn’t just numbers—her one-legged suits, six-inch nails, and effortless greatness made her a global superstar. As Black History Month comes to an end, the fastest sprinter’s daughter pens a heartfelt message! 

Track and field athlete Florence Griffith Joyner, whose legacy continues to inspire generations, had her tribute from someone special. Just one day before the conclusion of Black History Month, FloJo’s daughter Mary Joyner took to Instagram to pay tribute to her mother: “As Black History Month comes to an end, I am always so honored to be the daughter of an extraordinary, classy, historic, and strong BLACK WOMAN.”

“My mother was ahead of her time and continues to keep the bar set high. I see so much of her influence that some don’t even know or acknowledge. She was unique, driven, disciplined, faithful, and beyond beautiful inside and out.” Her daughter further added. And, honestly, where’s the lie? “Flo-Jo” was not only a dominant force on the track but also a style icon! From her highly decorated nails to her innovative uniforms, she was truly ahead of her time.

Her collaboration with Adidas during the 1988 Olympic Trials saw her introduce delicate lace into track wear, adding a feminine touch to a traditionally functional outfit. Even her iconic “one-legger” bodysuit, which she wore in the women’s 200-meter race in the same Olympics trial, became a statement piece that inspired future athletes, including Serena Williams and Sha’Carri Richardson. Seriously? How can an athlete have it all?

Her daughter fondly recalls: “From fashion, to nails, to just pure grace. Most of all, she was the best mother I could’ve asked for as a child. I thank God I have such a beautiful Guardian Angel watching over me and guiding me.” Flo-Jo paved the way for women, young athletes, and African Americans in sports. Her sudden passing on September 21, 1998, due to suffocation from an epileptic seizure, left a void in the world of athletics and her daughter’s life.
Her daughter expresses her deep longing: “I wish she was still here everyday, the world would make more sense to me. I love you, Mommy. Thank you for paving the way for so many women, young generations, and African Americans all over the world. You will continue to receive your flowers!” It’s not just in Mary’s words, but through her actions as well, she is trying to keep her mother’s legacy alive!

Mary Ruth Joyner honoring FloJo’s legacy while forging her path

Florence Griffith-Joyner is remembered as the fastest woman to ever go around the track. But to Mary Ruth Joyner, she was more than an icon—she was Mom. A mom who braided her hair tucked her in at night and hummed lullabies that still echo in Mary’s heart.

It’s been 27 years since FloJo left this earth, and the hole is still bottomless. Can you ever outrun the pain of losing a mother? Mary was only 8 when she lost her mother in 1998—a pain too big for words. Growing up, she found solace in music, not the track. She didn’t want to chase gold medals but she wanted to chase melodies. And so she did!

In 2012, Mary’s voice took her to America’s Got Talent. Her performance turned heads, not just on TV but within Team USA’s Track and Field community. So much so that they asked her to sing the national anthem at the U.S. Olympic trials. She said yes. “The national anthem means so much to my mother,” she said.

But Mary was never going to be FloJo 2.0. She carved her own path. A songwriter, gymnast, dancer, performer, and producer, she embodied creativity with the same passion her mother had for the track. But the connection to FloJo never faded. She started Florence Griffith Forever, a charity to keep her mother’s spirit alive. Since 2015, she has been a gymnastics instructor at Brown’s Gymnastics.

Still, the hole remains. On Mother’s Day last year, she posted a sweet tribute, sharing a childhood photo of herself in FloJo’s arms. “Happy Heavenly Mother’s Day, Mommy. I love you & miss you every day,” she wrote—a simple but powerful expression of grief, love, and longing. December 21, 2024—FloJo’s birthday—brought another moment of reflection. Mary posted on Instagram story: “Some things just ain’t fair. Hold on to your loved ones. Some of us wish we still had ours to see and be with this Christmas.” For Mary, Christmas isn’t about Santa anymore!