It’s been 26 years since Florence Griffith passed away, yet her title as the fastest woman in the world remains the same. With her records still standing and her style often imitated, it’s an achievement in itself and that’s truly a feather in her cap. As Paris is drawing closer, just less than a month away, it’s a bitter pill to swallow, knowing we won’t see such a legend on the track, ever again, no matter how much faith we put in the newer crop of sprinters. Flo-Jo was certainly in a league of her own. What ripple effect has her loss caused, though?

This loss isn’t just ours to bear, it’s a heartache that hits home too, felt by Flo-Jo’s daughter as well. While reminiscing about her late mother, Mary Ruth Joyner penned down an update on July 4th, 2024, sharing her heartfelt emotions.

Mary Ruth shared an Instagram story, pouring her emotions into words. As she puts it, “Watching sports will never be the same for me, ” referring to the Paris Olympics and the absence of her mother. However, Florence Griffith passed away in 1998 at just 38 years old when Mary Ruth was nearly 8. A coroner’s report revealed that Flo Jo suffered an epileptic seizure while sleeping due to a congenital abnormality of blood vessels in the brain and suffocation. Her daughter aptly reminisced and gave her due to Team USA as well.

Mary further added, “Congratulations to all Team USA competitors, to all those that trained & those that supported, helped, encouraged them along their way. The road to any Olympic competitions is hard, no one really understands the mental you put your body through along with physical. The money it takes to be a full-time athlete, especially in the sports that barely get recognition or pay … except around Olympic year. These athletes had less than four years to train this time, so I commend all of them. Each competitor that even made it to Olympic trials.”

She continued with heartfelt sincerity, emphasizing that each individual’s heart is that of a champion’s. She wished the athletes luck in their recoveries and continued training and for safe travels and good luck to those heading to the Paris Olympics. She also congratulated not only the athletes but also the coaches, mentors, spouses, family, and friends who support them on their Olympic journey. Well, in 2012, when Mary Ruth was 21, she was heading to the U.S. Track and Field for reasons other than running.

Mary Joyner’s honoring Florence Griffith’s legacy

In 2012, Mary Joyner competed on “America’s Got Talent” and impressed officials from the Team USA Olympic Track and Field Team. They were so impressed by her performance that they invited her to sing the national anthem at the U.S. Track and Field trials in Eugene, Oregon. Finally, she sang. “The national anthem meant so much to my mother,” Mary said that time. But Mary had a different dream, not like her parents, who were involved in track and field.

While Mary’s father, Al Joyner, was a track and field athlete however, Mary chose a different path. At 33, Mary Ruth Joyner is a multifaceted talent such as a songwriter, gymnast, dancer, performer, and producer. She also founded Florence Griffith Forever, a charitable organization honoring her late mother. According to her LinkedIn profile, Mary has been a gymnastics instructor at Brown’s Gymnastics since 2015.

However, Mary continues to miss her mother. Even on Mother’s Day, she shared a nostalgic memory of Florence Griffith holding her arms when she was an infant, with the caption, “Happy Heavenly Mother’s Day, Mommy. I love you and miss you every day,” holding onto memories like precious pearls. Though she’s gone, her spirit continues to inspire, and her achievements remain the gold standard, proving she was truly in a league of her own.