Olympic runner FloJo dies at age 38

A triple gold medalist at the Seoul Olympics and still the fastest woman ever, "FloJo" was known as much as her skintight running suits, her flowing hair and her glittering fingernails as her stunning times.

An autopsy was being conducted to determine the cause of death. Her husband Al Joyner, himself a 1984 triple jump gold medalist, called authorities after finding her "unresponsive and not breathing" early yesterday, according to the Orange County sheriff's department.

Greg Foster, a three-time world champion in the 110-meter hurdles, said he was told by her family that Griffith Joyner died of a heart-related problem.

Primo Nebiolo, the head of the IAAF, track's international federation, said he knew Griffith Joyner had "some serious heart problems in recent months," although one of her brothers, Weldon Pitts, said she had shown no sign of illness recently.

Griffith Joyner had suffered a seizure two years ago on a flight from California to St. Louis, and was hospitalized for one day. Her family did not disclose the ailment.

Her muscular physique prompted talk of steroid use, but she insisted she never used performance enhancers and she never failed a drug test.

Griffith Joyner was remembered for her stunning speed and fashion flamboyance that took track to new levels.

"What Florence brought to track was a flash and a flair that we didn't have, which was probably good for the sport and got attention for us," said Olympic sprint champion Evelyn Ashford, one of her main rivals and her Olympic teammate in 1984 and '88.

"We were dazzled by her speed, humbled by her talent, and captivated by her style," added President Clinton. "Though she rose to the pinnacle of the world of sports, she never forgot where she came from, devoting time and resources to helping children - especially those growing up in our most devastated neighborhoods - make the most of their own talents."

Along with her sister-in-law, six-time Olympic medalist and world heptathlon record-holder Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Griffith Joyner turned the 1988 Seoul Olympics into a personal showcase.

09-22-98