Al Joyner
About Al Joyner
- Biography
- Fast Facts
Al Joyner is an Olympic Gold Medalist and High-Performance Coach whose journey embodies perseverance, purpose, and power. In 1984, Al made history by becoming the first American in 80 years—and the first Black American ever—to win Olympic gold in the men’s triple jump. He also became the first member of The First Royal Olympic Family of Track and Field to achieve Olympic gold. On that same day, he and his younger sister, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, made history as the first brother and sister to win Olympic medals at the same Olympic Games—a moment that would mark the beginning of one of the most iconic legacies in sports.
As a coach, Al guided his late wife, Florence Griffith Joyner (Flo-Jo), to her legendary Olympic performance—becoming the first American woman sprinter to win four Olympic medals in a single Games, setting two world records (100m and 200m) and two American records, including the 4x400m relay. Al’s coaching career spans over three decades, developing Olympic medalists, NCAA champions, and elite professional athletes. He has worked with Super Bowl champion Simeon Rice, NBA greats Dennis Rodman, Rick Fox, and Derek Fisher, and MLB Home Run King Barry Bonds. He helped lead UCLA to its first-ever NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championship and has mentored countless state champions and Paralympic stars.
Through his podcast My Humble Opinion, public speaking, and mentorship, Al Joyner continues to empower the next generation with a message rooted in faith, discipline, and legacy. His signature mantra—“Chumps Complain. CHAMPIONS TRAIN. And You NEVER FAIL Until You STOP TRYING!”—remains a rallying cry for dreamers, athletes, and leaders everywhere.From the runway to the world stage, from Olympic glory to coaching greatness—Al Joyner builds champions.
- World Championships (1983) - Men’s Triple Jump – 8th Place
- Olympic Games (1984) - Men’s Triple Jump – 1st Place (Gold Medal)
- USA Indoor Track and Field Championships (1986) - Men’s 60 Yard Hurdle – 2nd Place
- World Indoor Championships (1987) - Men’s Triple Jump – 5th Place
- Arkansas State University Track and Field Hall of Fame (1993)
- Arkansas Track and Field Hall of Fame (1997)
- Illinois Track and Field Hall of Fame (1999)
- Jim Thorpe Award (1984)
Historical Video Gallery
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