FloJo was born Dec. 21, 1959, in the Watts section of Los Angeles. She graduated from David Starr Jordan High School in 1978, attended Cal State Northridge for two years, then graduated from UCLA in 1983 with a degree in psychology. She married Al Joyner in 1987. They have a 7-year-old daughter, Mary Ruth. For many years, she was coached by Bob Kersee, husband of Jackie Joyner-Kersee, but Al Joyner acted as her coach after the 1988 trials.Florence Griffith Joyner blazed her way into national attention with her world-record speed, her flashy, formfitting bodysuits and her glittering, 6-inch fingernails.She won gold medals in the 100- and 200-meter dashes and the 400-meter relay at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and is still considered the fastest woman sprinter ever. Florence Griffith Joyner was indeed a special runner, but as most of you know, she died unexpectantly on September 21, 1998. What glory she once had on earth is all gone. She was so much more than just an athlete.In the years since, she has written children's books, designed clothes (including road uniforms for basketball's Indiana Pacers) and served as co-chair of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. FloJo gave the world so much, yet she still had so much to give. Along with her sister-in-law, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, she could have been a role model for years to come.

Not just for women or African-Americans, but children everywhere trying to rise from disadvantaged backgrounds.That's an immeasurable loss - but Florence Griffith Joyner certainly achieved enough in her short life to become a shining star. Not just for an Olympiad, but for a generation.I am timeless. Forever was, Forever will be. I am woman..I am A Blackwoman..