Griffith Joyner Retires; Plans To Write And Act

After being honored by the Harvard Foundation at yesterday's Cultural Rhythms program, Olympic gold medalist Florence Griffith Joyner said in a press conference that she does not regret retiring from track and field.

Joyner, who thrilled the world with her performance at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, officially announced her retirement Saturday in New York.

"It feels good," Joyner said. "I love track and field so much, but I'm also looking to more things in my life."

Joyner said that she intends to pursue a career in writing--she has already written 10 children's books--and acting. Her immediate post-retirement plans include writing an athletic novel, portraying a "female 007 character" in the movies, and appearing in two television shows.

Many expected Joyner, the world-record holder in the 100 meters (10.49 seconds), to continue racing and set her sights on breaking the world record in the 400 meters. But that, Joyner said, would take a few years to achieve.

"I wanted to pursue the 400 meters and challenge the record," Joyner said. "I felt that I could have gotten the world record, but it would have taken me one or two years."

Joyner cited the pressures of traveling to fulfill several commitments as the main reason for her retirement plans.

"I really have been thinking about it because since the Games in Seoul, we did a lot of traveling," Joyner said. "My training has been lacking, and that's not usually how I train.

No Complaints

One person who is not complaining about Joyner's retirement is her husband, Al, a world-class triple-jumper.

"I was very pleased that she retired because I know how involved she wanted to get in her books," Al Joyner said. "In track and field, you're only as good as your last race, and I want to remember that last race."

Al Joyner, who is training for the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, will now switch places with his wife. Before, it was the husband who coached the wife. Now, those roles will change.

"I'm going to enjoy the next four years as a coach," Joyner said. "The shoe's on the other foot this time."