Entertainment
Sprinters catch up with Flo-Jo’s hallowed 100, 200 world records that have stood since 1988
For generations of girls’s 100-meter sprinters, 10.49 seconds is the world record they have been chasing since 1988.
For Al Joyner, it is time he sees all over the place he looks. Like in the future when he was considering auctioning off a pair of his late wife Florence Griffith Joyner’s spikes and happened to glance on the clock.
It read 10:49.
“I think in moments like this she asks, ‘Hello, how are you?’ I’m still here,” Joyner said in a telephone interview with the Associated Press.
The aura and records of Griffith Joyner hang over the track to this present day. Known for her long and colourful nails, striking outfits and funky nickname “Flo-Jo”, in 1988 she experienced a magical run that once more entered the record books. During the Olympic Games within the USA, she set a results of 100, 10.49, and on her technique to the gold medal on the Olympic Games in Seoul, she exceeded 200, 21.34.
It seemed as if the records would never be broken. However, Flo-Jo’s performance appears to be close by on the Paris Olympics this summer. A gaggle of sprinters jump out of the blocks, not seeing an intimidating time, but fairly a record that must be broken.
“I mean (a few) years ago I would have said, ‘No, it’ll never happen,'” American Gabby Thomas said last season’s record 200. “With technology and the way our competitors operate? Absolutely. … Maybe I’m crazy enough to believe this could happen in the next few years.”
Jamaican sprinter Shericka Jackson nearly broke Flo-Jo’s 200-meter mark on the world championships in Budapest, Hungary last summer, posting a time of 21.41 seconds, the second-fastest time ever.
Joyner’s take? Go get it. Because he would love to see it.
“I remember Florence being asked if anyone had broken her records and how she would feel,” said Joyner, whose wife died in her sleep in 1998 on the age of 38 after an epileptic seizure. “She said she can be sad but pleased because records are supposed to be broken. But it could be like losing your best friend.
Of the ten fastest times within the 200, five were set by Jackson, two by Thomas and one by Elaine Thompson-Herah of Jamaica, and the remaining two were by Griffith Joyner.
At the championships, Jackson wrote her race number twice before the competition – at 9:40 p.m. (she almost predicted her time) and one other one that she didn’t reveal.
Of course, it would have had something to do with Griffith Joyner’s days.
Featured Stories
“When I crossed the finish line and saw the time, I believed, ‘I’m close. I’m close,” Jackson said after the race.
In the 100m, Thompson-Herah – a two-time defending Olympic champion in each sprints – was just shy of Flo-Jo’s mark in 2021 with a time of 10.54 seconds, the just one to interrupt 10.50 seconds – or lower – apart from Griffith Joyner. That is, in winds considered legal (2.0 meters per second or less).
Thompson-Herah looked like she could break the record in Paris, but her health could also be an element. She gave the impression to be injured on the finish line of Sunday’s USATF New York Grand Prix.
The 37-year-old Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce can be on the decline, whose best end in her profession is 10.60 seconds. Another one that could lower the bar is American Sha’Carri Richardson, the present 100-meter world champion with a larger-than-life personality who could develop into the world’s next big sprint star. Richardson ran 10.57 seconds in the course of the competition on April 8, 2023, however the wind exceeded the legal limit. Her best allowable time within the wind competition at August’s world championships was 10.65, beating Jackson and Fraser-Pryce.
“I see a new generation of Flo-Jos,” said Joyner, the 1984 Olympic triple jump champion. “The legacy she left behind, which she didn’t even know she was leaving, is that her dreams became the dreams of many, many ladies. …Because she all the time hoped they’d take greater steps, because she never wanted them to be like her. She wanted them to be higher than her.
Griffith Joyner’s record of 100 points was set on a windy day in Indianapolis, but officials ruled it as legal wind. She overtook Evelyn Ashford, who achieved a results of 10.76 in 1984.
Since then, few have come near touching the Flo-Jo mark. For comparison, since 1988 the lads’s record has been lowered a dozen times to its current level – 9.58 by Usain Bolt in 2009.
“One of Florence’s most famous slogans was to believe in the impossible,” Joyner said. “You set your own standard, and when you set it and exceed it, that’s when records are broken and amazing things happen.”
In those days, there was the specter of doping (Griffith Joyner passed every drug test). The only individual women’s running records that have been within the books longer are the 400 meters (Marita Koch of the GDR, 1985) and the 800 meters (Jarmila Kratochvilova of Czechoslovakia, 1983).
Joyner saw Flo-Jo as a sprinter who never limited her performance.
Today he sees sprinters who don’t need to set limits.
“It’s not, ‘Oh, this is such a scary record,’” Joyner said. “These records will be broken. I do not know when. But they will be broken.”
Entertainment
An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit
Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.
Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”
She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.
Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.
On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”
One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.
Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.
Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, cropped a photograph of him in a jumpsuit and then set Instagram on fire with her look.https://t.co/n7YNGctQFE pic.twitter.com/DNKP2i9o9C
— Sean Joseph (@sjoseph_sports) December 2, 2024
When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.
Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”
Lauren Sanchez 2003 vs. Lauren Sanchez 2024
Nothing to see here, people, move on#LaurenSanchez pic.twitter.com/mgr4vj6mFq
— Occam was right (@OccamWasRight) November 21, 2024
Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”
Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.
Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.
Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.
Entertainment
Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape
India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.
“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”
Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.
Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.
Name:
India Shawn
Hometown:
Los Angeles
Artistic soundscape
Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric
The oldest musical memory
Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.
Influences
For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.
Creative process
Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”
Challenges and development
As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”
Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.
Current project
“There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”
Entertainment
ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence
With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.
Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.
From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.
In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.
-
Press Release8 months ago
CEO of 360WiSE Launches Mentorship Program in Overtown Miami FL
-
Press Release8 months ago
U.S.-Africa Chamber of Commerce Appoints Robert Alexander of 360WiseMedia as Board Director
-
Business and Finance6 months ago
The Importance of Owning Your Distribution Media Platform
-
Business and Finance9 months ago
360Wise Media and McDonald’s NY Tri-State Owner Operators Celebrate Success of “Faces of Black History” Campaign with Over 2 Million Event Visits
-
Ben Crump8 months ago
Another lawsuit accuses Google of bias against Black minority employees
-
Theater9 months ago
Telling the story of the Apollo Theater
-
Ben Crump9 months ago
Henrietta Lacks’ family members reach an agreement after her cells undergo advanced medical tests
-
Ben Crump9 months ago
The families of George Floyd and Daunte Wright hold an emotional press conference in Minneapolis