I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 18 during my freshman year at UCLA. I refused to accept it - and I hid it from my coaches and teammates. But ignoring my problem didn't make it go away. Jackie Joyner-Kersee acceptasthmacoach Change image and share on social
I set my sights on making an Olympic team, not realizing how tough it was going to be. Jackie Joyner-Kersee makeolympicrealize Change image and share on social
Even at 10 or 12, I was a hot, fast little cheerleader. Jackie Joyner-Kersee cheerleaderfasthot Change image and share on social
What people need to know is that asthma isn't a minor 'wheeze-disease.' It kills over five thousand people in America every year, and I could've been one of them. Jackie Joyner-Kersee americaasthmadisease Change image and share on social
The 2012 London Olympic Games fostered a generation of hope. I witnessed women participating for the very first time, representing every nation. Jackie Joyner-Kersee fostergamegeneration Change image and share on social
Even though I'm not a competitive athlete, I have to still maintain things and try to keep myself fit because I am at that age where I need to make sure to get those regular checkups and make sure everything is in tact. Jackie Joyner-Kersee ageathletecheckup share on social
People assuming that because I'm a great athlete, I can dance. But no. My rhythm is off a little bit. Jackie Joyner-Kersee assumeathletebite Change image and share on social
The London games mark the 24th anniversary of my winning two golds and setting the world record in the heptathlon. Someone is going to want it; records are made to be broken - it's only a matter of time. I hope mine will outlive me. Jackie Joyner-Kersee 24thanniversarybreak share on social
I love track and field, but I also know the day will come when I will have to do something else. Jackie Joyner-Kersee dayfieldlove Change image and share on social