In addition to athletics, Joyner-Kersee is active with youth organizations, even establishing her own youth foundation. In June, the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation will break ground on an East St. Louis community center. Joyner-Kersee said her hometown needs a community center where youth can work with mentors and find role models. I always tell people that you have to study people that you idolize. Joyner-Kersee also spoke about women's athletics, which she said has come a long way recently with the introduction of professional women's sports.
People appreciate what women are trying to do.
The greatest challenge for women athletes, however, is finding sponsors, Joyner-Kersee said. Women have done some extraordinary things. They have been very successful.