Jackie Joyner-Kersee(Column)

When in training for the heptathlon, Jackie Joyner-Kersee begins her day at 7:00 a.m. and ends at 8:00 p.m., six days a week. Her workout includes a road run of three to fie miles, a series of hurdles and long mps, lifting weights, bursting out of blocks, running curves for timing and endurance, and a series of 400- and 800-meter runs. Discipline is something Jackie learned from an early age. "Mother would insist that we were home immediately following school. She was always about 'taking care of business.' Therefore, sticking to a strict regimen is nothing new for me."

Jackie Joyner-Kersee holds the world record in the heptathlon, plus the American records in the indoor and outdoor long jump and the 60-meter indoor hurdles.

The heptathlon is considered the most grueline discipline in women's athletics. It as a way of "showing you what you're made of," she says.

In 1986 Jackie dominated this sport as no one had ever done before. Her exploits in the heptathlon that year included the setting of two world records in 26 days, winning her the Sullivan Award that year as the best woman athlete in the United States.

In addition to establishing a new heptathlon record of 7,161 points, Jackie holds the American record in the long jump at 23 feet 9 inches.

"People look at my marks and say, `You can't go any faster.' I don't believe that. I believe I can go faster in the bundles, and I believe I can throw farther and jump farther."

Jackie has exercise-induced asthma and therefore is very careful about what she eats and drinks. Her diet includes plenty of pasta, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lots and lots of water, which she calls "a natural cleanser for the body." Despite her asthmatic condition, she remains very determined to not let it interfere with her qoals.

Jackie has built an illustrious athletic career in track and field. I don't consider myself one-dimensional. I strive to be a `Jackie of all trades.' I am an individual who has accomplished a great deal through athletics."

When asked about her limits, she says she has none. "You could say I was born with a will to compete. But what most people don't understand about me is that I am concentrating my energies on myself and not on my competition. I'm constantly striving to improve myself in whatever I do and remain committed."

As a way of giving back to the community that has supported her, Jackie has created the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Community Foundation, which supports the development of leadership programs in urban areas across the United States.

Joyner-Kersee speaks of the strictness of hers parents when it came to alcohol and drug use while growing up, and says she holds true to is commitment today. She emphasizes the importance of people, both young and old, staying clear of drugs and alcohol. "They only shatter your chances of fulfilling gools and dreams," she adds.