Jackie Joyner bids farewell

8220;I knew it would be tough to come here from the heptathlon,8221; she said. 8220;Tonight was more about being out there, giving the fans a chance to see me. All in all, I would have liked to jump better, but I can8217;t be disappointed. I leave the sport healthy.8221;

A crowd of 9,100 turned out at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, not far from her hometown of East St Louis, to see the three-time Olympic gold medalist in 1988 and 1992 in heptathlon and in 1988 in long jump say farewell.

Her best jump of the evening was her last, a leap of 6.39m.

8220;I really didn8217;t want it to end, but I always told myself you can8217;t run forever.8221; She didn8217;tlose her composure until she thanked her fans. 8220;I8217;ve heard so much bad news about my hometown,8221; she said her voice breaking as she stood in the infield surrounded by people.