63-year-old Olympian lowers her own American record just weeks after historic comeback, reinforcing legacy across four Olympic eras
BETHLEHEM, Pa., February 23, 2026 – Four-time Olympian, Joetta, broke her own American record and defended her national title in the women’s 60–64 indoor 200 meters Sunday at the USATF Masters Indoor Championships, clocking 27.66 seconds at the Albuquerque Convention Center.
At 63, Joetta lowered the previous American record of 28.17, which she set earlier this season, improving the mark by more than half a second in less than one month. She remains the reigning national champion and American record holder in the event.
The performance adds to a career that has spanned four Olympic Games including Seoul (1988), Barcelona (1992), Atlanta (1996), and Sydney (2000), where she served as captain of the U.S. Women’s Olympic Track & Field Team.
“Breaking my own record feels incredible, but what means even more is continuing to compete and prove that passion and purpose never retire,” Joetta said following the race. “Every time I step on the track, it’s about showing that age doesn’t define achievement, effort does.”
The New Jersey Hall of Famer returned to Masters competition this year after a 25-year retirement from the division. Her rapid progression back to championship form has drawn
attention within the national track and field community and among advocates for lifelong fitness and performance.
In addition to competition, Joetta is a motivational speaker, author and founder of Joetta Sports & Beyond, where she leads fitness, mindset & wellness and youth development initiatives nationwide.
She is expected to continue competing throughout the 2026 Masters season.
About Joetta, 4x Olympian, Motivational Speaker, Wellness Authority, Author, Business Leader Joetta Clark Diggs is a four-time U.S. Olympian, former U.S. Olympic Team Captain and American Masters record holder. Her career spans more than four decades in elite competition, leadership and performance advocacy. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Joetta is also the daughter of the late education icon Dr. Joe L. Clark, portrayed by Morgan Freeman in Lean on Me and the mother of world champion sprinter Talitha Diggs, representing a powerful multigenerational legacy of achievement and service.
Information provided to TVL by:
Tiffany Sondergaard
Link to race video may be accessed on Instagram: @joettaolympian https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVE8ZNjEj_5/?igsh=N2kyNzZzN3NqYWR2
