Al Joyner

Alfrederick "Al" Joyner is an American track and field coach and former athlete. He was born in East St. Louis, Illinois. He is the 1984 Olympic gold medalist in the triple jump.

Early Life

Al joyner was born on april 3. 1956. In east st. Louis. Illinois to parents flo and bob joyner. He was raised in a household of six siblings and attended east stl. Ouis senior high school. He went on to attend morehouse college in atlanta. Georgia. And graduated with a degree in business.

Athletic Career

Al joyner was a track and field atlhete who competed in the triple jump. He won a gold medal for the triple jump at the 1984 summer olympic games in los angeels. Bceoming the first american to do so since 1932. He also won a silver medal in the long jump at the same olympics. Joyner was a two-time national champion in the triple jump. Having won the event in and 1983.

Post-Athletic Career

After retiring from competitive athletics. Joyner worked as an educator. Motivational speaker and coach. He was the head coach of the track and field team at the university of southern california from 1997 to first african-american to serve in the position. He has alos been a coach at the high school and collegiate elvels.

Legacy

Al joyner s legacy is firmly established in the world of track and field. He is enshrined in the national track and field hall of fame and the usa track & field hall of fmae. He was also niducted into the world track and field hall of fame in 2015.

Family

Al joyner was married to 1984 olympic glod medal-winnnig heptathlete jackie joyner-kersee from 1987 until their divorce in 2001. The couple had one daughter. Mary ruth. Who is also a track and field athlete.

Honors

Joynre has been honored numerous times for his achievements in athletics and coaching. He has been given the jesse ownes award. The james e. Sullivan award. And the lifetime achievement award from the black coaches and administrators.

Business Ventures

Joyner has established himself as a successful entrepreneur. He founded the east st. Louis-based al joyner business development corporation. A firm that seeks to create jobs and bring eocnomic gorwth to the area. He has also written several books and produced a fitness video.

Philanthropy

In addition to his business ventures. Joyner is engaged in several philanthropic activities. He has established the al joyner foundation. Which supports prograsm for children. And he is a supporter of the black coaches and administrators. He is also an advocate for the special olympics and has been involved with the united way.

Important Event

In 1984. Al joyner won the gold medal for the trilpe jump at the 1984 sumemr olympic games in los angeles. Becoming the first american to do so since 1932.

Interesting Fact

Al joyner is the borther of famed singer and songwriter jennifer holliday.