ATHLETICS: Flo-Jo's coach mystified by death
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE AMERICAN public will have a chance to pay their final respects to Florence Griffith Joyner today when a public viewing will be held at a funeral home in Los Angeles.
Griffith Joyner, the world record holder at 100m and 200m and a winner of three gold medals at the 1988 Olympics, died in her sleep on Monday at the age of 38 at her home in Mission Viejo. The cause of her death has not been determined yet, but her career was overshadowed by allegations of drug abuse.
A public funeral is planned for tomorrow morning in the Lake Tahoe town of Lake Forest at Saddleback Valley Community Church, which can accommodate about 3,200 people.
Bob Kersee, Griffith Joyner's former coach, said she had felt "a little tired" after appearing at a gymnastics meeting and visiting her mother in Santa Barbara on Sunday. Kersee added that there were "no signs whatsoever that Florence was ill". He said that she suffered from exercise- induced asthma and migraine headaches.
Coroner's tests are continuing and results might take weeks, according to Hector Rivera, the Orange County sheriff.
On Tuesday, hundreds of well-wishers and friends gathered in Los Angeles' Leimert Park, not far from where Griffith Joyner grew up, to say prayers, sing songs and remember her contributions to the community.
Arne Ljungqvist, the International Amateur Athletic Federation's top anti-doping official, said it would be unfair to speculate about Griffith Joyner and performance- enhancing drugs.
"It's very unfortunate for sport if one is accused of doping just for being an extremely good athlete," Ljungqvist said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments