Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Jackie Joyner-Kersee lived from 1962 and she is still alive. She was born in East St. Louis, Illinois. She is famous because she is an American Athlete and Olympic gold medalist. She was a star in basketball and volleyball in high school. In college Jackie went onto a sports career. She was named MVP of the basketball and track teams. Jackie graduated with a degree in history in 1986.

Growing up Jackie's family was very poor. Jackie was raised to have strong values. She was expected to do well in school and treat people with respect. Jackie was also taught that family was very important.

In the 1988 Olympic, Jackie won a gold medal in heptathlon and another in the long. The heptathlon is made up of seven different events. To win you must have the highest combined score for all seven events. Jackie won

another gold medal in the heptathlon and a bronze medal for placing third in the long jump in the 1992Olympics

Jackie married her coach Bob Kersee in 1986. In addition, to the Olympics, she also competed in national and world championships and broke records all over the world.

1998, Alison, third grade

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