Florence Joyner: The Fastest Woman in the World

Today we are talking about the one and only, Florence "Flo-Jo" Joyner, the woman who redefined speed, style, and success on the track. We’re diving into the life of one of the most iconic athletes of the 20th century. Not just because of her breathtaking world records—still unbeaten decades later—but because of the way she lived. Flo-Jo wasn't just a champion on the track; she was a force of nature in fashion, an icon for Black women, and a cultural trailblazer who challenged the expectations placed on women in sports. 

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Credits:

Compiled by Sovereign Syre

Hosted by Sovereign Syre and Josh Anderson

Produced by Joshua Anderson

Works Cited

1. “Florence Griffith Joyner.” Encyclopaedia Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.

   • https://www.britannica.com/biography/Florence-Griffith-Joyner
     This source provides a comprehensive biography of Florence Joyner, covering her early life, Olympic success, and post-Olympic career.

2. “The Untold Story of Flo Jo, the Fastest Woman of All Time.” Olympics.com. International Olympic Committee.

   • https://olympics.com/en/news/florence-griffith-joyner-flo-jo-world-records
     A detailed look into Florence Joyner's world records and the lasting impact of her Olympic achievements.

3. Schmidt, Michael S. “Florence Griffith Joyner, 38, Champion Sprinter, Is Dead.” The New York Times, September 22, 1998.

   • https://www.nytimes.com/1998/09/22/sports/florence-griffith-joyner-38-champion-sprinter-is-dead.html
     An obituary that reflects on her life, her legacy, and the controversies surrounding her sudden death.

4. “Sha'Carri Richardson and the Legacy of Flo-Jo.” The New Yorker, July 2021.

   • https://www.newyorker.com/sports/sha-carri-richardson-flo-jo
     This article draws parallels between Sha’Carri Richardson and Florence Joyner, focusing on how both athletes used fashion and self-expression as part of their identities in a highly scrutinized public arena.

5. “Double Standard: How the Media Treated Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan Differently.” The Atlantic. January 2018.

   • https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2018/01/tonya-harding-nancy-kerrigan/549722/
     This article discusses the media's contrasting portrayals of Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan, focusing on the class and femininity narratives used to criticize Harding.

6. “Serena Williams’s Legacy and the Body Politic.” The Guardian, September 2018.

   • https://www.theguardian.com/sport/serena-williams-legacy-body-politic
     This piece highlights the racial and gendered criticisms Serena Williams has faced throughout her career, drawing connections to similar challenges faced by athletes like Florence Joyner.

7. Duncan, Margaret Carlisle. “The Media Coverage of Women's Sport: Beyond Sexualization, Gender Stereotyping, and Misrepresentation.” Sociology of Sport Journal. 2012.
   This academic article discusses the media’s portrayal of female athletes, including critiques of femininity, strength, and how athletes like Florence Joyner, Serena Williams, and Tonya Harding have been framed in public discourse.

8. “The 1980 U.S. Olympic Boycott.” History.com. A&E Television Networks.

   • https://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/1980-us-olympic-boycott
     Background on the 1980 U.S. Olympic boycott and its impact on athletes like Florence Joyner who missed out on that opportunity.

9. “Florence Griffith Joyner: Nails, Speed, and Style.” Track and Field News.

   • https://trackandfieldnews.com/florence-griffith-joyner
     A profile of Florence Joyner that emphasizes her unique style and how she used fashion as part of her identity as an athlete.