ALTITUDE | Capsule Collection

ALTITUDE | Capsule Collection

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 11. Florence Griffith Joyner 'World Record Setting and Gold Medal Winning' 200m Signed and Inscribed Spikes | 1988 Olympic Games | 21.34 Seconds.

Florence Griffith Joyner 'World Record Setting and Gold Medal Winning' 200m Signed and Inscribed Spikes | 1988 Olympic Games | 21.34 Seconds

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August 2, 07:10 PM GMT

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100,000 - 200,000 USD

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Lot Details

Description

MIZUNO, MIZUNO RACING SPIKES

Circa 1988

From the collection of Al Joyner.

Florence Griffith Joyner's 200m gold medal-winning race at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, is legendary in track and field history. Known for her distinctive style and speed, Griffith Joyner, often referred to simply as “Flo-Jo”, dominated the competition in both the 100m and 200m events during those games.


Griffith Joyner entered the 200m final as the World Record holder in both the 100m and 200m. In the 200m semifinal, she set the world record with a time of 21.56 seconds. As the broadcast prepared for the starting gun, the camera panned to her husband and coach, Al Joyner, who had helped prepare her for the Games and looked on with hopeful intent. When she exploded out of the blocks in the final, it was clear by the first turn that she had a chance to improve upon it. As she accelerated in Lane 5, she had closed the gap of the staggered start and continued to gain speed down the home stretch. When she blew through the finish line for Olympic Gold the clocks showed that she had obliterated her previous record by 0.22 seconds with a time of 21.34 seconds


Griffith Joyner's record in the 200m at the 1988 Olympics remains unbroken to this day, a testament to her unparalleled speed and athleticism. Her performance not only made headlines across the world for her dominance and grace, but also left an indelible mark on the history of the Olympic Games and women's track and field. 


Sotheby’s is pleased to present her Gold Medal and World Record Setting spikes from her legendary race at the 1988 Olympic Games. 


Going Deeper | Flo-Jo


Florence Delorez Joyner, known affectionately as Flo-Jo, remains an iconic figure in the realm of track and field, celebrated for her remarkable speed, style, and trailblazing achievements. Born on December 21, 1959, in Los Angeles, California, Flo-Jo showed early promise in athletics and eventually blossomed into one of the most dominant sprinters in history.


Her journey to greatness began at UCLA, where she excelled in track and field under the guidance of coach Bob Kersee. Despite facing numerous challenges, including financial struggles and balancing academics with athletics, Flo-Jo's dedication and natural talent propelled her forward.


At the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, she made her mark on the international Olympic stage by winning a silver medal in the 200m. This laid the foundation for her future successes. However, it was at the 1988 Seoul Olympics where, coached by her husband, Olympic Champion Al Joyner, Flo-Jo solidified her legacy. She captured four Olympic medals, becoming the first American woman in Track and Field history with three gold medals in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay and a silver in the 4x400m relay. She set world records in the 100m and 200m, as well as an American record in the 4x400m relay that still stand today.


Beyond her incredible speed, Flo-Jo was known for her distinctive fashion sense and charismatic personality. Her one-legged racing suits and elaborately designed nails became synonymous with her image, captivating audiences and transcending the boundaries of sport.


Off the track, Flo-Jo pursued various entrepreneurial ventures and philanthropic endeavors, aiming to inspire and empower others, especially young athletes. She advocated for education and fitness among youth, emphasizing the importance of hard work and determination.


Tragically, Flo-Jo passed away on September 21, 1998, at the age of 38, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire athletes around the world. Her impact on women's athletics and the sport of track and field is immeasurable, with her records and achievements serving as benchmarks for future generations.


In recognition of her contributions, Flo-Jo was posthumously inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame and the Track and Field Hall of Fame. Her legacy endures not only through her records but also through the lasting impression she made on the sport, embodying grace, speed, and a spirit of innovation that continues to resonate today. Florence Griffith Joyner remains a symbol of excellence, breaking barriers, and achieving greatness against all odds.