Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Decorated Former Track & Field Athlete

Jackie Joyner-Kersee Speaking Fee: $20,000 to $30,000

Decorated Former Track & Field Athlete

Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Speaking Fee:
$20,000 to $30,000

Travels From:
BLV

Primary Topic Category:
Sports

Secondary Topic Category:
African American & Black

 

Jackie Joyner-Kersee Speaker Profile: At A Glance

Jackie Joyner-Kersee is an American retired track and field athlete, ranked among the all-time greatest athletes in the heptathlon as well as long jump. She won three gold, one silver, and two bronze Olympic medals, in those two events at four different Olympic Games. She is on the Board of Directors for USA Track & Field (USATF), the national governing body of the sport. Joyner-Kersee is an active philanthropist in children's education, racial equality and women's rights.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee is celebrated as one of the greatest athletes in the history of track and field. Born on March 3, 1962, in East St. Louis, Illinois, her journey to athletic excellence began in humble surroundings. Growing up in a small community, Jackie found her early inspiration in sports as a young girl, driven by the support of her family and her innate competitive spirit. With a natural aptitude for athletics, she excelled in basketball, volleyball, and track and field, choosing ultimately to focus on the latter, which would become her global stage. Jackie rose to prominence as a dominant heptathlete and long jumper, clinching her first Olympic medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. It was a pivotal moment for her career, setting the stage for her future successes. She went on to win gold in the heptathlon and silver in the long jump at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where she achieved a world record score that remains unsurpassed. Jackie further cemented her status by winning another gold in the heptathlon at the 1992 Barcelona Games and adding a bronze medal in the long jump. Off the track, Jackie has been equally impactful. Following her retirement, she harnessed her fame to give back to the community, establishing the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation to provide resources and opportunities for youth in her hometown. Her work emphasizes the importance of education and physical activity, as she continues to inspire future generations through various mentorship programs and advocacy efforts. Renowned for her resilience and humility, Jackie also overcame personal challenges, such as managing asthma while competing at the highest levels—turning potential hurdles into stepping stones. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination, qualities she now shares with audiences around the world. Today, Jackie Joyner-Kersee remains a respected voice in athletics and beyond. As a keynote speaker, she draws on her rich experiences to offer insights on leadership, goal-setting, and community impact. Her story resonates with individuals seeking inspiration and motivation, proving that with dedication and passion, any goal can be within reach.
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