Jackie Joyner-Kersee is an American former track and field athlete who was ranked among the all-time greatest athletes in the heptathlon and long jump. She won three gold, two bronze Olympic medals and one silver in those two events at four separate Olympic Games. She was also voted for the Greatest Female Athlete of All-Time by Sports Illustrated for Women magazine.
Furthermore, she serves on the board of directors for USA Track and Field (USATF), the sport’s national governing body. She is currently an active philanthropist in the fields of children’s education, women’s rights, and racial equality. She gained widespread recognition after establishing the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, which inspires the majority of East St. Louis youth to pursue athletics and academics.
Similarly, she has been actively involved in technology since 2011, when she collaborated with Comcast to launch the Internet Essentials program. Aside from her career and profession, she has some quotes, which are listed below. You can select your favorite.
“As long as you take care of yourself, there are few limitations to your life with asthma.”
Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“All I’ve ever wanted and still want out of life is to give my all to whatever I’m doing, to be committed to whatever I’m doing, and then let the results speak for themselves.” Also, never take myself or others for granted, and always be thankful and grateful to those who have assisted me.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
3rd of 52 Quotes by Jackie Joyner-Kersee
“It is better to plan ahead of time than to regret later.”
Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“In today’s world, sports have the potential to bridge the gap between racism, sexism, and discrimination.” The Olympic Games in 2012 were a great start, but hopefully what these games taught us is that if women are given an equal playing field, the possibilities for women are limitless.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“Winning is great, but finishing my final Olympic Games on American soil was crucial.” Despite my injury, I didn’t let my psyche get the best of me and cause me to doubt myself, so in ’96, I was willing to pull every muscle in my body to get the job done, and I came away with a bronze medal.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“I’d like ‘I Dream of Genie’ abilities.”
Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“I know that when I leave this earth, I’ve done something that will continue to help others.”
Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“I’m not afraid. I’m modest, but I’m vivacious.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“Your surroundings do not define you. I don’t have a lot of money, but I can train people and talk to them. “We can all be role models for the next generation.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“I don’t believe there is such a thing as a perfect athlete.” But, if I had to choose someone who embodies all of the qualities that I believe an athlete should possess, I would say Tiger Woods is the ideal athlete. He has the talent, he’s humble, and he’s excellent at what he does.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“The London Olympics mark the 24th anniversary of my winning two gold medals and breaking the world heptathlon record.” Someone is going to want it; records are made to be broken; it’s only a matter of time before someone does. “I hope mine outlives me.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“It’s important to me to try to expose young people to things they think are out of bounds for them.” ‘There are no walls, only the ones we build,’ I tell them. My advice to young people looking at my life is not to follow in my footsteps, but to forge their own.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“It is better to plan ahead of time than to look back and regret.”
Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“Give something back in some way.” Always be considerate of others.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“I’m thinking about trying Zumba.” I haven’t done it yet, but I thought it would be a lot of fun and unique.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“I’ve had asthma all my life.”
Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“What people should understand is that asthma is not a minor ‘wheeze-disease.’ It kills over 5,000 people in America each year, and I could have been one of them.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“I have a burning desire to get out there and give it my all.” It’s as if I’m keeping it all in a little bottle, and it’ll all come out when I do the best I can.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“Ask any athlete: we all get hurt. I’m putting my body through seven different exercises. It would be unreasonable to expect it not to ache.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“I don’t believe that being an athlete is unfeminine. I consider it a kind of grace.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“I learned to listen, and I learned to listen well.” It aided me both athletically and academically. The person who talks too much or talks over others misses out because they are not listening.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“I set my sights on making an Olympic team, not realizing how difficult it would be.”
Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
23rd of 52 Quotes by Jackie Joyner-Kersee
“I enjoy track and field, but I know there will come a time when I will have to do something else.”
Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“Growing up during the Title IX era – it was passed when I was 10 – I got to witness so many great moments in women’s sports.” Of course, I had no idea at the time.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“Age isn’t a barrier. It’s a mental constraint you impose on yourself.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“Someone is always challenging me.”
Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“I now only provide quality training; previously, I provided both quality and quantity.” I’m not attempting to be a world-class athlete right now, so I don’t need to train at that level. It’s about staying fit for life.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“I’m a realist, and I’ve always been one.”
Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
Wilma Rudolph Quotes That Will Inspire You
“I miss playing basketball a lot.” I don’t participate in many pick-up games. “However, I enjoy using basketball as a form of cross training.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“I am passionate about teaching children about health and fitness.” It’s all about staying fit for life.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“Even though I’m not a competitive athlete, I still have to maintain things and try to keep myself fit because I’m at that age where I need to make sure I get those regular checkups and make sure everything is in good working order.”
Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“There have been many women who came before me who did not have the same opportunities that I have.” That’s why I’ve always wanted to be a great ambassador, not just for my generation, but also for the women who didn’t have a voice but paved the way for me.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“I learned to listen, and I learned to listen well.” It aided me both athletically and academically.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“The person who talks too much or talks over others misses out because they are not listening.”
Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“When I first started competing, you had to bring your coach with you. You can now be coached from the comfort of your own home using Skype or video. That’s not the same as having them on your team.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“People think I can dance because I’m a great athlete.” But no. My rhythm is a little off.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
95 Insightful Simone Biles Quotes
“There are many other people who play an important role in helping you become an Olympian.”
Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“As you get older and young people approach you with their history books, you realize that some of the things you can do have an impact.” But I try to keep things in perspective and remain humble.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“Some people are embarrassed to say they are from East St. Louis, Illinois, but more people are claiming it now.” I grew up in a community center and was aware of the benefits it provided. I’ve always wanted to give back and help others because they’ve helped me.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“I’m a realist, and I’ve always been one. I now only provide quality training; previously, I provided both quality and quantity. I’m not attempting to be a world-class athlete right now, so I don’t need to train at that level. It’s about staying fit for life.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“I’m a more hands-on person.” I enjoy working with young people because it allows me to support grassroots programs. State, national, and Olympic champions emerge from the grassroots.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“We weren’t allowed to do sports other than cheerleading in elementary school.” They let us play by junior high, but we had to return after 6:30 p.m. to practice because there was only one gymnasium and the boys used it first.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
43rd of 52 Quotes by Jackie Joyner-Kersee
“I didn’t start dreaming about the big time until I was 14 and watching the 1976 Olympic games on television.” “I saw Evelyn Ashford in the 100 meters and she was going to UCLA.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“I have a lot of great memories from competing for the Bruins in both track and field and basketball.” But my favorite collegiate sports memory has to be winning UCLA’s first NCAA track title in 1982.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“When I was 18, I was diagnosed with asthma during my freshman year at UCLA.” I refused to accept it and kept it a secret from my coaches and teammates. But ignoring my problem did not solve it.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
Jim Ryun Quotes That Are Bold and Inspiring
“My denial and irresponsible attitude toward asthma put me in danger and caused me so much unnecessary suffering.” My hope is that the children I speak with will learn to open up about their asthma, become educated about it, and seek help.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“The Olympic Games in London in 2012 inspired a generation of hope.” For the first time, I saw women representing every nation take part.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“My desire to help others is similar to yours. I give because it is in my nature to do so. I give because I was taught to give from a young age. This is where my desire to help others began.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“People think I can dance because I’m a great athlete. But no. My rhythm is a little off.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“I was a hot, fast little cheerleader even when I was 10 or 12.”
Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“I don’t use steroids.” I’ve never done so. It makes me sad that people want to point fingers. That is not something I do. That is not my style. I wouldn’t be able to function as a human being.” Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
“I’ve always tried to work on Jackie’s other side, which is making sure my appearance, my image, is right; also, working in the job world, knowing how it is to wake up and go to work.”
Joyner-Kersee, Jackie
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