Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Three-Time Olympic Heptathlon Gold Medalist, Widely Regarded as “The World’s Greatest Female Athlete”
Biography
Jackie Joyner-Kersee, the "Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th Century," works by intentionally expanding the opportunities for learning and achievements in science technology across biology, agriculture, artificial intelligence, and geospatial information systems. Her work makes it possible for people of all ages to gain access to education, sports, culture, and lifelong learning. Jackie's accomplishments, leadership, and the generous sharing of her talents benefit everyone she comes in connect with. Jackie has used her training and skills in the Olympics to inspire organizations, companies, and youth across leadership, determination, and social issues today. In 2020, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) awarded the Director's Community Leadership Award to the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation. This distinctive award was formally created in 1990 to honor individuals and organizations for combating terrorism, cyber-crime, illegal drugs, gangs, and other crimes leading to violence in America. The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation is one of 56 individuals or organizations around the United States who received the award. Significant contributions and leadership have marked her post-athletic career as a philanthropist and a tireless advocate for children's education, health issue, racial equality, social reform, and women's rights. In 1988, she established the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation as the vehicle through which she provides youth, adults, and families with the resources to improve their quality of life. A dynamic public speaker, Joyner-Kersee continues to be a sought-after motivational speaker and voice for the issues affecting 21st-century global society. Webster University, Missouri, presented her with the Champion for All award at its 2019 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conference. She was a featured speaker at the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network's (ARDN) Second Women of the Diaspora Summit: Economic Equity. ARDN has now asked her to serve as a Good Will Ambassador. In 2000, the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation raised over $12 million to build The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center, a 41,000 square-foot facility with a 1,200-seat gymnasium on a 37-acre site. The center fulfills the largely unmet need for youth recreation and sports venues in East St. Louis. In 2007, Joyner-Kersee and several well-known pro athletes founded Athletes for Hope. This charitable organization helps professional athletes get involved in philanthropic causes and inspires millions of non-athletes to volunteer in community support. Jackie is a six-time Olympic medalist, including three Olympic gold medals. She dominated the Olympic heptathlon and long jump events throughout her career and four Olympic Games. The World Heptathlon Record set at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea, still stands today. Sports Illustrated named Jackie the most outstanding female athlete of the 20th century. One of ESPN's 50 Greatest Athletes of the Century and Sports Illustrated Female Athlete of the Century, Jackie Joyner-Kersee dominated the sport of track and field for more than 20 years, setting world and American records that still exist today. The second of four children, Joyner-Kersee, was born in East St. Louis, Ill. Though lacking in material possessions, her family never failed to provide her with abundant love and support. Joyner-Kersee was also blessed with exceptional talent and an unshakable belief in herself. That foundation led her to become a basketball and track star in high school and college. She received a basketball scholarship to UCLA. This same foundation helped her distinguish herself in track and field, most notably in the long jump and heptathlon. Joyner-Kersee rose to prominence as an All-State and All-America prep performer at Lincoln Senior High School in East St. Louis, Missouri. At UCLA, she received the All-University Athlete Award for the first of three times in 1982. A four-year starter on the women's basketball team, she ranks among UCLA's career leaders in scoring, rebounding and games played. Joyner-Kersee was the most dominant American figure in the long jump and heptathlon during her collegiate career. In fact, since placing second in the heptathlon at the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 1984, she has never lost a completed heptathlon. In 1985 she was awarded the Broderick Cup as the nation's top collegiate female athlete and the Olympia Award as one of the nation's top athletes in an Olympic sport. She was named first-team All-Conference in basketball after the Bruins defeated a Cheryl Miller-led USC team twice in the same season. In 1987 she was named the U.S. Olympic Committee Sportswoman of the Year and the Associated Press Female Athlete. Her gold medal-winning performance in the 1988 Olympics resulted in a world record for the fourth time. In 1992, she again scored over 7,000 points to become the first woman in history to win back-to-back Olympic heptathlons and a bronze medal in the long jump. In 1993, Joyner-Kersee received UCLA's Professional Achievement Award. She has received many prestigious awards, including the St. Louis Ambassadors Sportswoman of the Year Award, the Sporting News Athlete of the Year Award (the first woman to receive either of these awards), the Sullivan Award, and the Jesse Owens Memorial Award, which she won two years in a row. Yet with all the awards and accolades, Joyner-Kersee is most proud of her achievements off the track.
Speech Topics
The Power of Caring
How to Overcome Obstacles to Success
Running the Race with Grace and Humility On and Off the Track
A Winning Perspective Gets the Gold
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Jackie Joyner-Kersee's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Jackie Joyner-Kersee's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What is Jackie Joyner-Kersee's speaking fee?
The typical range for Jackie Joyner-Kersee's speaking fee is $20,000–$45,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Jackie Joyner-Kersee to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Jackie Joyner-Kersee for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Jackie Joyner-Kersee's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Jackie Joyner-Kersee through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Sugar Ray Leonard
Legendary sports icon, Olympic champion and Hall of Famer, philanthropist, bestselling author, television personality, ringside analyst and longtime face of Skechers’ popular Relaxed Fit collections, Sugar Ray Leonard has established a legacy that epitomizes boxing and invokes the reverence of a champion. Sugar Ray Leonard’s raw and uplifting memoir reveals in intimate detail for the first time the complex human who waged his own personal battle with depression, rage, addiction and greed, that lay behind the champion.
Fee Range: Inquire
Travels From: CA

Herm Edwards
Affectionately known as the Energizer Bunny of the NFL, coach Herman Edwards is a perpetual motion machine, a breath of fresh air who uses his boundless energy and talent for combining hard work with good fun. Former ESPN analyst, NFL head coach (New York Jets '01-'05 and Kansas City Chiefs '06-'08) and player, Herm Edwards became head coach at Arizona State University in 2017. Whether it is his faith, family, or football team, Herm Edwards exudes passion in all areas of his life. Edwards has a diverse background in professional leadership, and is one of the most recognized voices in sports today. Herman is a strong proponent of being a positive role model and is one of the NFL’s most active participants in off-the-field outreach programs. In his book,You Play to Win the Game, Edwards shares the wisdom and insight he counts on to motivate and sustain himself, his team, and the thousands he has inspired.
Fee Range: $25,000–$35,000
Travels From: CA

Lolo Jones
Lolo Jones’s journey to the Olympics began in a most unlikely place, the basement of a church in Des Moines. Jones’s mother, Lori, and her five children lived a peripatetic existence. Jones said they moved almost constantly, staying one step ahead of rent collectors, and the children attended a new school every year. Jones said her father was not around, that he was in the Air Force and when he got out, he bounced in and out of jail.
Fee Range: $20,000–$32,000
Travels From: IA
Check Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s Availability
Tell us about your event and we’ll be in touch shortly.

