‘Flojo’ wins award

Press, 23 February 1989, Page 44

‘Flojo’ wins award

NZPA-AP New York Florence Griffith Joyner, a sprinter who won three Olympic gold medals and set two world records last year, was named winner of the 1989 Jesse Owens International Trophy Award yesterday. The award is presented annually to the athlete who best personifies excellence in athletic performance and promotes sincere co-operation and understanding among people of all nations. “Off- the field, Griffith Joyner has the charm and

dignity of a Jesse Owens,” said Herb Douglas, the president of the International Amateur Athletic Association and founder of the award. "On the field, her accomplishments are simply incredible.” On the field, or track, Griffith Joyner won Olympic golds in the 100 m and 200 m dashes and the 4xloom relay, and a silver medal in the 4x400m relay. She also set world records of 10.49 s for the 100 m and 21.34 s for the

200 m. An international panel of judges selected Griffith Joyner over the other finalists: Steffi Graf, winner of tennis’ Grand Slam — Wimbledon, the Australian, French and United States Opens — along with the Olympic gold in women’s tennis and swimmer Matt Biondi, winner of seven Olympic medals, including five gold. In the balloting, Griffith Joyner received 159 points to 85 for Graf and 63 for Biondi.