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Justin Gatlin has explained the qualities that make Flo-Jo the greatest female sprinter of all time.
American sprint legend Justin Gatlin has paid glowing tribute to Florence Griffith-Joyner, highlighting the late sprinter's transformative influence on track and field.
Affectionately known as “Flo-Jo”, Gatlin, speaking on his Ready Set Go podcast, described the former trailblazer as a trailblazer whose impact extended far beyond her record-breaking performances, cementing her legacy as a cultural and athletic icon.
Griffith-Joyner, who still holds the world records for the 100m and 200m set in 1988, revolutionized the perception of female athletes in track and field. Her bold fashion statements, including her signature one-legged tights, flamboyant nails, and flowing hair, challenged traditional norms and brought a unique blend of power and elegance to the sport.
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21:58 - 03.08.2024
American football legend Shannon Sharpe on how Sha'Carri Richardson is similar to iconic sprinter Flo-Jo
Sharpe has revealed how similar Sha'Carri Richardson is to Flo-Jo, the fastest woman ever -recorded, and also weighed in on Team Jamaica's chances without Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shericka Jackson in the 100m of the Paris Olympic games.
Recalling Flo-Jo's enduring influence, Gatlin pointed to her widespread appeal, even decades after her untimely passing in 1998.
“Watching Flo-Jo, I knew she was someone for real when you had people like Beyoncé dressing like her for Halloween,” Gatlin said. “She wasn’t just dominant on the track; she was also a fashionista. She started trends with the one-legged tights, fingernails, and long flowing hair. She truly brought femininity to the track and field world.”
Gatlin emphasized how Flo-Jo shattered stereotypes about female athletes.
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12:30 - 01.01.2025
Justin Gatlin eighth, Noah Lyles sixth, Usain Bolt first: How a hypothetical dash between the eight fastest men in history would go
How hypothetical race pitting the eigth fastest men in the history of major championship races -namely Marcell Jacobs, Noah Lyles, Justin Gatlin, Usain Bolt, Kishane Thompson, Christian Coleman, Tyson Gay and Yohan Blake would go.
“Before her, women were all about grit—ready to fight, sweat, and win. Flo-Jo had her nails done, hair done, and usually, people assume women like that will finish last. But she flipped that narrative. She proved you could be fierce and feminine and still dominate.”
Griffith-Joyner’s record-setting achievements, paired with her trend-setting style, continue to inspire athletes today, including current sprint star Sha’Carri Richardson. Her blend of athletic excellence and cultural impact solidified her place as a game-changer in sports history.
As Gatlin highlighted, Flo-Jo's legacy is not just about her unparalleled speed but also her ability to redefine what it means to be a female athlete.
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11:00 - 04.01.2025
'I had to be extra-focused to beat her' - Jamaican sprint legend Veronica Campbell-Brown remnisces on 'fierce' rivalry with Allison Felix
Campbell-Brown, a two-time Olympic champion in the 200 meters, has sent Tia Clayton some crucial words of advice following a 2024 that saw her reach the final of the 100 meters at the Paris Olympics.
“She brought excitement and personality to the sport, and that’s why her legacy still resonates,” Gatlin concluded.
While Gatlin also named other legends like Allyson Felix, Gail Devers, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce & Elaine Thompson-Herah on his list of all-time greats, he made it clear that Flo-Jo's unmatched combination of dominance, style, and cultural significance places her at the top.
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