“Miss You Everyday”: World’s Fastest Florence Griffith Joyner’s Daughter Pens Down Heartwarming Wish on Mother’s Day

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we are reminded of Cardinal Mermillod’s words: “A mother is she who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take.” These words ring powerfully as we honor our dear mothers and mother figures today. Among them, Florence Griffith Joyner, the fastest woman ever, continues to inspire the track and field world.

However, she is deeply missed, especially by her daughter, Mary Ruth Joyner, who continues to feel the void left by her legendary and loving mother. Mary was just seven years old when her mother passed away on September 21, 1998. Yet, even 26 years later, the void left by her legendary and loving mother remains profound in her life.

A special Mother’s Day tribute to Florence Griffith Joyner

In a touching Instagram story on Mother’s Day 2024, Mary Ruth Joyner, the daughter of the legendary track and field star Florence Griffith-Joyner, shared a heartfelt message to her late mother. Mary posted an image of Flo-Jo cradling her in her arms as an infant, her face beaming with love for her little one. The caption of the nostalgic and wholesome memory read, “Happy Heavenly Mother’s Day Mommy.” Mary Joyner further shared how much the time spent with her mother meant to her, saying, “I love you & miss you everyday.”

In a previous Instagram story, Mary Joyner shared an image with a powerful message: “Happy Mother’s Day to all women,” which included women yearning to be moms, who have lost children, new moms, fur moms to pets, who have never had a mom, who are moms, who have lost their moms, and who are mother figures.

This message resonated, acknowledging that Mother’s Day is not just about biological mothers but about celebrating all women who play a maternal role in the lives of others. As we reflect on this heartfelt celebration by Mary Ruth Joyner, let us also take a moment to explore her remarkable achievements inspired by her mother, Florence Griffith Joyner.

How has Mary Ruth Joyner kept Flo-Jo’s spirit alive with her talents?

Mary Ruth Joyner shared with NBA.com in 2015, “I got told that my mother said that if she could do one thing—because she was so multi-talented—it would definitely be singing. So it’s amazing that I got the gift that she didn’t have.” A multi-talented persona Mary developed a keen interest in music at a young age, fostered by her mother, who took her to music classes before her untimely demise.

Over time, Mary Ruth Joyner’s musical talent flourished, leading her to participate in talent shows and choirs. At the age of 21, she auditioned for American Got Talent, showcasing her vocal talent with renditions of Gravity by Sara Bareilles, Footprints in the Sand by Leona Lewis, and other powerful songs.

Although she did not progress further on the show, Mary’s passion for music continued to drive her. She went on to release several songs, including Surely, Hold, and An Angel’s Wings. Her performance caught the attention of the USA Olympic Track and Field and impressed by her talent, they invited her to sing the national anthem at the 2012 U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon. Her heartfelt rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” moved everyone in the stadium.

Through the charitable organization Flo-Jo Forever, Mary Ruth Joyner has ensured that her mother’s legacy, the 100m and 200m world record breaker, lives on. With her heartfelt Mother’s Day message, Mary has once again managed to touch the hearts of the sports world, continuing to honor her mother’s memory and inspire others.