Surprising Facts About Florence Griffith-Joyner; ‘Fastest Woman’ To Have Ever Lived

The American runner sets two unattainable records and became a style icon. In the photo, Florence Griffith-Joyner prepares to start the 200-metre dash at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Soon she would set a world record that remains unsurpassed to this day and become a two-time Olympic champion. You would certainly bet on her, even if you do not like betting. But if you like it, it would be very convenient to click and Get Code for pretty good promotions on Betway. 

Florence made a fashion revolution in sports, was accused of doping and died at the age of 38. We try to unravel the mysteries of the legendary athlete.

Florence's records still can't be beaten

Florence Griffith-Joyner was a truly unique person. The future world champion began jogging at the age of seven. The girl often faced racial hostility and dreamed of reaching the top. But until 1988, Flo was just a good runner, nothing more. 

In the 1988 Olympic season, the athlete underwent an amazing metamorphosis. At the US Championships in the 100-metre dash, the girl immediately improved the world record by 0.27 seconds. And at the Seoul Olympics, she caused a real spectacle. Griffith-Joyner won three Olympic gold medals, one of which was a world record. Flo's performances in the 100 m (10.49 s) and 200 m (21.34 s) still stand today. However, an American woman is rarely called a great athlete. Her career finished too fast.

The progress Griffith-Joyner made was incredible. After winning silver at the 1984 Olympics, the runner gave up daily training and started getting in shape just before the start. And she won with records! Soon there were rumours about Flo's use of steroids. But no test confirmed this.

Why did Florence run in one pant leg?

For each tournament Flo came up with something original. The runner competed in shiny leotards, lace leggings and space suits. The girl always wore an unusual hairstyle on her head, leaving loose strands, which was not accepted in athletics. Florence's manicure is another matter. The girl grew her nails 15 centimetres long and painted them in bright colours. People were dumbfounded how you can even run and win with such a manicure. The press, on the other hand, went crazy for Griffith-Joyner. Vogue only managed to write about every step of the sports diva.

Why Florence left the sport after the triumph

Despite the resounding success, Florence's career did not last long. After the triumphant Olympic Games, the girl disappeared from the scene. Perhaps this was due to the disqualification of the winner of the men's 100 m race, Ben Jonson. The Canadian was convicted of a rule violation, his performance was disqualified, and the IOC promised to be stricter about doping control. Coincidence or not, however, Flo did not return to competition after that. Although at a reception with the President of the United States she threatened to compete in another Olympics.

After her career ended, Griffith-Joyner had a child, became famous as a fashion designer, and died at the age of 38, one day in her sleep. According to the official version, Flo died of epileptic syndrome. Unofficially, it is said that she died of cardiac arrest related to years of stress from taking steroids. After her death, the runner could not be tested for banned substances due to a lack of biological material. But Griffith-Joyner's daughter is certain that her mother was clean all her life.

"Mom worked so hard, she had health problems. It's sad that people who cannot run that fast, do not realize how much work she did. It's a shame that she is compared to athletes who could not beat their records even with doping. Mom was a very disciplined athlete. She passed all the doping tests successfully. I really wish people would stop belittling her great achievements. She deserved those world records she set," Mary said.