Hazel has a poster in her room paying homage to track legends Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Flo Jo and Wilma Rudolph.

Day 20: Flo Jo

Few American women track athletes have achieved true name recognition beyond the sport itself. Florence Griffith Joyner is one of the rare exceptions. Known simply as Flo Jo, she became a figure whose presence extended beyond lanes and finish lines, imprinting itself on popular memory in a way that few sprinters—male or female—ever have.

Joyner first appeared on the global stage at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where she won silver in the 200 meters. After a brief step away from competition, she returned with renewed focus ahead of the 1988 Games, transforming herself physically and competitively. That summer, she produced one of the most extraordinary performances in Olympic history. At the U.S. trials, she set a world record in the 100 meters, and in Seoul she captured three gold medals and a silver, while setting a world record in the 200 meters that still stands today.

Yet Flo Jo’s impact wasn’t limited to what the clock recorded. She refused to shrink herself to fit the traditional image of a track star—no plain uniforms, no muted presentation, no obligation to blend in. She ran with long, hand-painted nails, custom one-legged suits, jewelry, and a sense of style that felt intentional rather than ornamental. It wasn’t a statement in the way people now try to label statements; it was simply who she was. By choosing to compete at the highest level without sacrificing that individuality, Joyner widened the space for athletes who came after her. You can see her influence clearly today in runners like Sha’Carri Richardson, who race with speed and personality intact, never asked to choose between performance and self-expression.

After retiring from competition, Joyner remained engaged with athletics and creative work, designing NBA uniforms, serving on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness, and supporting youth-focused initiatives. She married fellow Olympian Al Joyner, brother of Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and became a mother, grounding her post-competitive life in family and mentorship.

Florence Griffith Joyner died suddenly in 1998 at the age of 38. Her life was brief, but her imprint was permanent. She is remembered not only as the fastest woman in history, but as a figure who altered the visual and cultural landscape of her sport.