Jackie Joyner-Kersee

World renowned American athlete, Jackie Joyner-Kersee is the award-winning track and field star who rose to fame in the sports industry in the 80s and 90s. A Gold winning Olympian who overcame a disadvantaged youth to make history on the track, Jackie has since dedicated her retirement to philanthropy work and encouraging others from similar backgrounds as herself. Named as Sports Illustrated for Women’s Greatest Female Athlete of All-Time, Jackie’s influence in sports and beyond is undeniable and as a speaker her down to earth discussions on her career are an inspiring opportunity for all in attendance.

Best recognised for her ground braking performance over four Olympic Games. Making her debut at the 1984 Los Angeles event, Jackie secured Silver in the heptathlon and her status as a fierce competitor. Fast forward to Seoul in 1988, backed by two Golds in the ’97 World Championships, Jackie became the first American women to achieve first place in the Olympic long jump, a testament to her drive and determination to succeed. In total, Jackie boasts an unrivalled three Gold, one Silver and two Bronze Olympic medals, heptathlon and long jump. Proving her international dominance, Jackie has also won four World Championship and Goodwill Games titles.

One of American’s greats, Jackie has been the recipient of numerous accolades for her high-profile achievements, including the Jesse Owens Award in 1986 and 1987, which was later renamed after Jackie for the female specific award. In 2004 she was inducted into the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame, followed by being named a NCAA Silver Anniversary Awards honouree. To date, Jackie maintains the world record in heptathlon over a decade after she set it, proving her exceptional performance is yet to be rivalled.

Since retiring in 2001, Jackie has continued to make significant contributions to the sports industry, through her philanthropic ventures; Jackie Joyner – Kersee Foundation and Athletes for Hope. These projects both aim to support promising young athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds by educating and training them to pursue their dreams. In 2012 Jackie became a board member for USA Track & Field, where she has used her experiences to influence the future of the event.