QUINCY, ILL. -- Children of all ages gathered Thursday at Jackson-Lincoln Swimming Complex in Quincy to welcome Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee. The pool was open for the day to swim in and the kids even enjoyed a barbeque. Joyner-Kersee was there answering questions from the kids, and offering them advice. She even gave them a little pep talk on the lawn.
Joyner-Kersee has 6 Olympic medals and also holds the world record in the heptathalon. Most of the kids were too young to see her win her medals, but she says she's glad she can still make an impact in their lives.
"You see young people of all ages, and for me to be in the position that I'm in, I'm really blessed. To be able to give back today, and to work with young people of all ages it really means a lot."
"I think more importantly it's that I want each and every one of you... To work hard, you know, you play basketball, you play football, you know baseball, and whatever it is you want to get out of life you got to be willing to work hard," Joyner-Kersee said.
Joyner-Kersee was also voted the greatest female athlete of the 20th century but Sports Illustrated. She will also be at the Speed and Agility camps this weekend as well. The camp is from Friday to Sunday.
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