#BlackHistory Facts | Florence Griffith Joyner

Because she is still a track and field world record holder (and had some kickass nails).

Black history fact #9

Florence Griffith Joyner (1959-1998), also known as Flo-Jo, was an American track and field athlete and Olympic champion. Coached by Bob Kersee, she made her Olympic debut in 1984 at the Los Angeles Summer Olympics, where she won a silver medal in the 200m. After her performance at the 1984 Summer Olympics, Joyner became known for her great speed, form-fitting bodysuits, and stylishly-painted 6-inch nails. Joyner is the holder of 5 Olympic medals in 4 different categories (a silver medal in 200m in 1984, gold medals in the 100m, 200m, and 400m and a silver medal in the 1600m in 1988). She is considered the fastest woman of all time, holding the world record that she set in 1988 in the 100m and 200m at 10.49s and 21.34s, respectively. Both records have not come close to being challenged. In 1995, Flo-Jo was honored with an induction into the Track and Field Hall of Fame.