After her retirement , she started the Jackie Joyner - Kersee Youth Center Foundation to encourage kids in her underprivileged hometown to play sports .
A sufferer of exercise - induced asthma , Joyner - Kersee officially retired from track and field in 2001 at age 38 .
After Joyner - Kersee 's retirement , Joyner - Kersee started the Jackie Joyner - Kersee Youth Center Foundation to encourage kids in her underprivileged hometown to play sports .
A sufferer of exercise - induced asthma , Joyner - Kersee officially retired from track and field in 2001 at age 38 .