Florence Griffith-Joyner, a renowned track and field athlete, died on September 21 at the age of 38.
## What happened?
The cause of her death was determined to be suffocation after suffering a seizure while she slept, which was caused by a congenital abnormality of blood vessels in her brain, as reported by medical authorities.
She revolutionized women's sprinting with her speed and flamboyant fashion sense, and was a three-time gold medalist at the 1988 Summer Olympics.
## Why it matters for Florence Griffith-Joyner
Her legacy extends beyond her athletic achievements, as she was also a fashion icon and an inspiration to many young athletes, including those in the track and field community.
By Jeré Longman, it was noted that Griffith-Joyner's speed and style changed the game for women's sprinting.
## What comes next?
The Women's Sports Foundation held their annual awards, where Michelle Kwan was named Sportswoman of the Year in individual sport and Cynthia Cooper was named Sportswoman of the Year in team sport, and Florence Griffith-Joyner was inducted into the Hall of Fame, along with Shirley Strickland de la Hunter, Margaret Osborne duPont, and Tara VanDerveer.
About 2,000 people attended her funeral service at Saddlebrook Community Church in Mission Viejo, California.
Griffith-Joyner's husband, Al Joyner, had hoped to compete in the triple jump, but his injured quadriceps muscle prevented him from doing so.
The International Olympic Committee officials stated that Florence Griffith-Joyner was subjected to rigorous drug testing during the 1988 Seoul Olympics due to steroid rumors, but she turned up clean.
As reported by Jere Longman, Griffith-Joyner's death was met with an outpouring of tributes from the track and field community, including a special tribute and posthumous award at the Jesse Owens International Trophy Award annual dinner in Manhattan.