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News20 Sep 1998


Flo-Jo has left us

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Florence Griffith Joyner,  who won three gold medals (100m, 200m and 4x100m) and a silver medal in the 4x400m in the 1988 Olympics has died aged 38, following a seizure.

Griffith Joyner, who was married with Al Joyner, himself Olympic champion in the triple jump in 1984, was famous for her multi-coloured costumes, which she designed herself and her trademark fingernails. Her world records in the 100m and 200m (10.49 and 21.34 respectively) have stood since 1988.

Advised of Griffith Joyner's death in Brussels where he was attending a meeting with the as a member of the IOC Special Commission, IAAF President Primo Nebiolo expressed his deep sorrow at the news of Florence Griffith Joyner's death: "She was one of the great characters of track and field, a personality who marked a generation of athletes with her performances and individuality."

NEBIOLO: THE DEATH OF FLORENCE GRIFFITH JOYNER A LOSS FOR THE WORLDWIDE ATHLETICS FAMILY

 21 September, 1998 - MONTE CARLO - Monaco - The IAAF President Dr Primo Nebiolo, was in Brussels, where he is attending meetings of the Special IOC Commission, with the European Commissioner, Dr Oreja, when he was advised of the untimely death of Florence Griffith Joyner. Dr Nebiolo said: "It is a great shock and which makes me extremely sad. I knew that Florence Griffith Joyner had had some heart problems in recent months, but didn't think that it was anything really serious.

"I will never forget this extraordinary athlete who stunned the world in Seoul, ten years ago, with her amazing sprints and spectacular outfits. Sadly, her life has passed as rapidly as her races. All my thoughts are with her husband, Al Joyner, her daughter and her sister-in-law, Jackie Joyner-Kersee at this difficult time: their bereavement is shared by the whole of the World Athletics Family."

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