Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee on overcoming adversity and winning gold | BBC News

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Published 2024-07-07

Ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the BBC’s Katty Kay has sat down with some of the most legendary athletes from previous Olympic games for in-depth conversations about their lives, sports, and what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

This week, Katty chats to Olympic legend Jackie Joyner-Kersee – who has held the Olympic record for women’s long jump and heptathlon for nearly 40 years.

They discuss Joyner-Kersee’s early beginnings, her rise to Olympic success, and what inspired her to return to her hometown and support her community.

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All Comments (21)

@Dr.Aiken-Isaac 21 days ago

I appreciate how curious & respectful the interviewer was. Jackie shined … an amazing athlete.🙏🏾
@nancysmith3400 28 days ago

🤗Thank you, that was a wonderful interview. I learned so much about Jackie. She is an amazing athlete and a very inspiring women!!!
@pnutbutrncrackers 21 days ago

What a great job this interviewer did. A+
@zamboangaprankster9058 28 days ago

Wow!...long time no see, what a Classy Woman, still in great shape!
@anthonypatrick3622 21 days ago

Awesome interview with the greatest female athlete of all time. Would love to see more of Jackie...great American story. She's beautiful inside and out...thank you for the memories Jackie!!!❤
@boris8787 28 days ago

There are so many dedicated athletes who deserve a mention - far too many to name. 🏅🏅🏅
@michaelroot6064 1 month ago

She's an American Icon history will never forget her
@shereenferguson338 21 days ago

Jackie Joyner Kersee, absolutely amazing! Truly the greatest!🎉🎉
@briandesilva1834 1 month ago

Three Words: A Class Act!!!!
@kevinrodrigues5190 28 days ago

THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL INTERVIEW I HAVE EVER SEEN!!! Thank u bbc. Its just so beautiful.
@rickyrandall9978 1 month ago

What a incredible lady
@lovelypatricedaniels3173 21 days ago

Awesome! Congratulations for all your hard work and dedication to the sports Mrs. Jackie. This was a great interview ❤
@dpelpal 1 month ago

Class act!
@0-Elias-0 28 days ago

Congrats to Jackie Joyner-Kersee (one of the greats). It's good to hear that she's been helping to build up her hometown.
@edielesousa1506 1 month ago

🇧🇷Brasil///Jackie Joyner-Kersee 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 excelente atleta. Sensacional no heptatlo e no salto em distância.
@felixowusu4983 1 month ago

Well done, you are genuinely a sportswoman of substance.
@ZuriDsWellness 21 days ago

Ms J, U r the original Goat. Period!!! 👍🏾👌🏾👏🏾💪🏾🫶🏾🦋😘💕
@ellabella7653 28 days ago

What a lovely interview with a golden athlete.
@tailoredsuits 9 days ago

Fantastic interview, thank you for asking great questions ! I get to see her speak in a few days and am beyond thrilled. She’s such an incredible human! ❤
@robertcaskey9653 28 days ago

I meet Jackie 35 years ago cal state north riges and she was so sweet and kind ralo 59 Pasadena California