Florence Griffith Joyner’s trailblazing exemplar status extends from the tracks to the world of fashion. The Olympic spearhead brought more attention to the sport with her flashy outfits than her sheer speed ever could. Hordes of spectators thronged to catch a glimpse of her at the 1988 Summer Olympics where she broke the world record and took her place on the track and field throne. However, the enamored crowds were dazzled by her one-legged asymmetrical tracksuit and her manicured six-inch nails to see anything else.

The iconic look made an impression on the whole world and even the Queen Bey, Beyonce was not immune to its charms. She donned the same suit and even styled herself in typical Flo-Jo fashion for the 2018 Halloween celebrations. But, Florence Griffith Joyner’s magnetic appeal ranges beyond just her sartorial sense to her graceful demeanor and sporting elan.

Florence Griffith Joyner’s legacy in track and field

Florence Griffith Joyner’s fashion sense and athletic achievements have enmeshed her a permanent place in the fans’ memory. On December 21, the fans celebrated her birthday with a memorial worthy of her stature. They reminded the world of the bold garment choices which the sprinter preferred over the gym-bound, athletic wear her peers donned. Joyner believed that her vibrant and fashion-forward choices were necessary for capturing the fans’ attention. With a background in hair and nail care, Flo-Jo used her extravagant hairstyles and colorful long nails as modes of self-expression. Florence Griffith Joyner has forever changed the face of track and field in more ways than can be enumerated. For example, the athleisure she popularized has become a staple in the sport.

She said, “Dress good to look good. Look good to feel good. And feel good to run fast!”. Joyner was the first pop culture from track and field which garnered a lot of attention for the sport. Her hooded, speed skating suit from the 1987 World Championships is still fresh in the minds of the fans. Additionally, unconventionally long, glittering nails are forever associated with her. On the eve of her 64th birthday, let’s see how the world still remembers their track queen.

Fans celebrating Florence Griffith Joyner’s enduring legacy

The emotional fans could not brook their feelings of loss anymore and peppered the social media realm with tear-jerking posts and comments. Among them, one fan wished her, “Happy Birthday” and stipulated her lasting accomplishment, stating “She is the fastest woman of all time; the world records she set in 1988 for both the 100 m and 200 m still stand. 3x 🥇 at the 1988 Seoul Olympics”. Another fan used a quote from Joyner to express his adoration for her “unconvental[ity]”.

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Each of the fans made collages out of the epic moments of Florence Griffith Joyner’s career graph. She was a true pioneer of track and field and her presence is still fresh in the hearts of true sprinting fans.

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