Featured Image: Joetta (left) is pictured with her siblings J.J. Clark and Hazel Clark, and her daughter Talitha (right) at the 2026 Penn Relays, where the Clark family was honored with the Steinbrenner Family Award.
BETHLEHEM, Pa., May 8, 2026 – Olympic legend “Joetta” and the iconic Clark family have been awarded the prestigious Steinbrenner Family Award at the 2026 Penn Relays, recognizing decades of unparalleled achievement and multi-generational impact on one of track and field’s most historic stages.
Presented at Philadelphia’s Franklin Field, the award celebrates the Clark family’s enduring legacy, a rare dynasty in the sport whose influence spans high school standouts, NCAA champions, Olympians, and international competitors. For generations, the Penn Relays has served as both a proving ground and a homecoming for the family, where their excellence has become part of the event’s tradition.
Several members of the Clark family were in attendance for the recognition, including Joetta’s siblings and her daughter, Talitha, representing the continued impact of the next generation.
From record-breaking performances to global competition, the Clark family’s presence at the Penn Relays reflects a commitment to discipline, family, and community. That foundation is deeply rooted in the values instilled by their father, the late Joe Clark, a respected educator and principal portrayed by Morgan Freeman in the film Lean on Me, whose influence helped shape a legacy of excellence both on and off the track.
Still competing at the Masters level, Joetta continues to model what it means to pursue excellence at every age, inspiring others to believe that it is never too late to chase greatness and be the champion of your own life. As a four-time Olympian, American Masters record-holder, and President of Joetta Sports & Beyond, Joetta continues to carry that legacy forward through her work in corporate performance, youth development, wellness, and community empowerment.
“This recognition is incredibly special because it honors our entire family’s journey,” said Joetta. “The Penn Relays has always been a part of who we are. To be recognized not just for what we’ve accomplished individually, but for what we’ve built together across generations, is truly humbling. Our legacy includes excellence, impact, mentorship, and continuing to pass the baton.”
The Steinbrenner Family Award is presented to individuals or families whose contributions to the Penn Relays reflect excellence, leadership, and a lasting impact on the sport.
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
