Training to become a world-class athlete is difficult in its own right. It requires time, dedication and a great deal of confidence. This makes the story of Lolo Jones even more remarkable due to the challenges she faced growing up. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, she was one of 6 siblings raised by a single mother. Her father spent 12 years in prison for homicide, and as a result he wasn’t around during her formative years. But through it all, Jones persevered to become one of the best sprinters in the world and a world-class bobsledder as well. Here are some facts about the three-time Olympian (and counting).
Her elementary school years were an especially difficult time
Because her dad was in prison and her mother had 6 mouths to feed, the family had to spend time living in the basement of a Salvation Army church. Lolo was so worried about being made fun of by other kids that she would wake up early and leave before they could find out. Due to the unstable situation at home, she ended up attending 8 different schools in 8 years.
Realizing her star potential in track and field, she stayed in Des Moines for high school
When Jones’ mom made the decision to move the family to the small Iowa town of Forest City, Lolo was concerned that it would hinder her budding track and field career. As a result, she arranged to stay in the state’s capital where she enrolled in Roosevelt High School. She set the Iowa state track record for the 100-meter hurdles and was named Gatorade Midwest Athlete of the Year. During her 4 years in high school, she lived with four different host families. Aside from helping her thrive as an athlete, they made sure she succeeded in the classroom as well. She graduated as an honors student and even played the cello in Roosevelt’s orchestra.
She was almost an Iowa State Cyclone
Jones had originally planned to attend Iowa State on an academic scholarship, but fellow track star Kim Carson, the goddaughter of her senior year host father, persuaded her to attend Louisiana State instead. Jones had a legendary college track career with the Tigers where she tore up the field in both Indoor and Outdoor track. She won two NCAA titles, was an 11-time All-American and was crowned SEC champion in various hurdling events 6 times.
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