Comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish is set to portray the late Florence Griffith-Joyner in an upcoming biopic about the Olympic track and field legend.
The “Girls Trip” actress will serve as a producer on the film about Joyner, who was affectionately known as Flo-Jo to her fans.
Joyner, a style icon who memorably donned long, colorful nails and one-legged racing suits, is indeed the fastest woman of all time. She still holds the world records in the 100 and 200 meters which she set in 1988.
“I am looking forward to telling Flo-Jo’s story the way it should be told,” Haddish said in a statement. “My goal with the film is making sure that younger generations know my ‘she-ro’ Flo-Jo, the fastest woman in the world to this day, existed.”
The star athlete’s widower and former coach, Al Joyner, will serve as a producer and creative consultant on the biopic. Therese Andrews, executive vice president of production at sports content studio game1, will spearhead the entire project.
“I am so elated to team up with game1 and Tiffany Haddish, on this project,” Al Joyner said in a statement. “Working with Tiffany has been a great pleasure — she is incredibly dedicated, focused, and committed to portraying the spirit of Florence accurately, whose legacy of making a difference in the world will live on for generations to come.”
A search for a writer for the biopic is underway.
“I can’t even explain how hard I’m gonna work to honor Her Legacy!” Haddish tweeted.
Joyner’s fans and fellow athletes have helped to keep her legacy alive with various tributes over the years.
Serena Williams paid tribute to Joyner by wearing a pink, red and black one-legged uniform when she competed in the Australian Open in February.
“ I was inspired by Flo-Jo, who was a wonderful track athlete, amazing athlete when I was growing up.” Serena said at the time.
Griffith-Joyner passed away at age 38 from an epileptic seizure.
