See the BIG Picture

Ready — Olympic gold medalist, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, faced numerous challenges on her way to becoming a legendary track champion. As a 17-year-old from East St. Louis, Illinois, she experienced deep home sickness at UCLA. During her freshman year at UCLA, she was diagnosed with Asthma, difficult for a track-and-field athlete. Added to these issues, the death of her mother from a bacterial infection led to some dark days.

Set — Confronted with these obstacles, Jackie developed technical issues with her main event—the long jump—which led to internal doubts. Her doubts led to feeling her athletic career was over. It all seemed like the end of her world. Seeking an encouraging word, she called Nino Fennoy, her coach from elementary school through high school. His advice played a vital role in restoring her confidence. He told her to . . . 

• See the Big Picture
  Coach Fennoy encouraged her to stop thinking one-dimensionally and look at the bigger picture. He stressed that life isn’t all about sports, but to remember that she went to school for an education.

• Stay the Course
  He didn’t say, “Don’t quit;” rather to realize things are not always going to go the way one wishes. When you start taking the easy way out, it becomes a habit—a bad habit! Once you commit to something, see it through. Stick with it. Finish the course!

• Sprint Toward Difficulties
  Coach Fennoy inspired her to face whatever difficulties came her way. While there will always be roadblocks, winners go over, under, or around them. Don’t run from difficulties; sprint toward them!

Grow! — Coach Fennoy was more than a coach; he was a mentor and a steady source of encouragement. He believed in Jackie even when she struggled to believe in herself. Fennoy’s belief in her was one of the reasons she persevered during moments of doubt. His encouragement laid the foundation for the mental toughness she displayed throughout her Olympic career, and being named the Greatest Female athlete of the 20th Century by Sports Illustrated.