For most athletes, being an Olympian would be the ultimate prize. If they manage to secure a spot on the podium, even better! But Florence Griffith Joyner wasn’t like others. Despite passing away almost three decades ago, FloJo remains one of the biggest names in the world of track and field and beyond. Her world record in both the women’s 100m and 200m distances are yet to be broken, but these are not all that her family remembers about the track phenome.

Talent, when it decides to make itself apparent, can often be multifaceted. In the case of FloJo, it was something even more incredible. As it becomes more and more apparent that her name will remain relevant to the track community for the foreseeable future, the late sprinter’s family can’t help but fondly remember how she became more than just a professional athlete.

The many roles of FloJo beyond her profession

In August 2024, Stash uploaded a documentary about the celebrated runner on YouTube. Titled, “Flo-Jo: A Daughter’s Love,” the documentary aims to shed more light on FloJo as a person rather than the cultural icon she has since become, and how her family remembers her. Joyner’s daughter Mary Ruth and others share their experience about the 3x Olympic gold medalist, and one thing’s easily evident: none of them remember FloJo as only a speedster.

The legend’s niece Khalisha Jefferson says she remembers her aunt filling various shoes throughout her life, instead of being dictated in life by the track. “…throughout my life, I saw her take many positions, like she was a banker and a track and field athlete. She was a mother, a cosmetologist, a nail artist. She was a writer. She designed clothes for herself and for others,” says Jefferson in the documentary. FloJo’s nephew Larry also confirms the same, saying, “She was extremely creative and she was also a writer of poetry and children’s books.”

He went on to note how Joyner also designed one of the most memorable basketball jerseys of all time. “She designed the Indiana Pacers uniforms,” remembers Larry how his aunt was also a gifted fashion designer. “She never said, slow down, let’s wait a while or let’s take it easy over here, or let’s do this. No! She kept going. She kept doing,” added FloJo’s sister. It was probably this relentless wish to continue the pursuit of life that made Griffith Joyner the memorable figure that she is today.

A name that continues to inspire

The 1988 Seoul Olympics was the highlight of Joyner’s career. At the South Korean capital, FloJo bagged three gold medals, including the golden hardware in both the women’s 100m and 200m races. In the longer distance, she set the world record clocking 21.34 seconds, which stands to this day. Moreover, she also boasts the 100m world record, that she achieved in Indianapolis in the same year during the Olympic Trials. That too, remains to be broken.

In the years since her unfortunate passing, many women have recorded incredible speeds in these events, but none have come close to taking away her high seat. From Jamaican juggernauts Shericka Jackson and Elaine Thompson-Herah to American stars like Sha’Carri Richardson and Gabby Thomas: the challengers keep coming, but Florence Griffith Joyner’s legacy remains intact. And it’s not just her records on the track that continue to inspire her successors.

FloJo’s iconic unitard has paved the way for many sports celebrities from different domains to come up with their version of the unique dress. From tennis legend Serena Williams to collegiate basketball star Angel Reese, there have been many who paid tribute to the Joyner in their unique ways. But will anyone ever be as enigmatic as the late Olympic superstar? Tell us your thoughts on this with a comment!