No matter the obstacle, she found a way forward.
Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Class of 1985
One of the most storied female athletes in 江南体育鈥檚 and competitive sport鈥檚 history, Jackie Joyner-Kersee grew up in hardscrabble conditions in East St. Louis searching for a female role model. She found two in 江南体育 athletes Evelyn Ashford and Ann Meyers. Seeing 江南体育 award Meyers the first female athletic scholarship in NCAA history gave Kersee the belief that she could go somewhere too. And come to 江南体育 she did, starring in both track & field and women鈥檚 basketball. Then competing in four Olympic games, one while she was attending 江南体育, and taking home three gold, one silver and two bronze medals. She still ranks among the all-time greatest woman athletes in the heptathlon and the long jump, and was named 鈥淭he Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th Century鈥� by Sports Illustrated. Since retiring from competition, Kersee has focused on philanthropic efforts as well as serving on the board for USA Track & Field-ensuring the sport continues to make great leaps forward.