Jackie Joyner-Kersee
How Asthma Affected Her
Diagnosed at 18 while a freshman at UCLA, she initially, like many people with chronic illness, ignored signs and symptoms of the disease. Once treated and feeling better, she relaxed her treatment regimen and, at one point, had a nearly fatal asthma attack.
What She Accomplished
Despite her asthma, she was one of the most dominant women in the history of women's track and field winning 6 gold medals in 4 consecutive Olympic Games. She is a world record holder in the women's heptathalon. She was named Female "Athlete of the 20th Century" by
Sports Illustrated for Women and ESPN named her one of the 50 Greatest Athletes. You can learn more about her
accomplishments.
What She Is Doing Now
She is just one of many very successful athletes with a history of asthma. With her Olympic career behind her, she now advocates for kids with asthma and attempts to increase awareness of the disease. She founded the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation which built the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center which sponsors numerous programs and activities for both adults and kids in East St. Louis.
