Track and Field Star Joetta Clark: ‘You’re Not Always Going to Win, But Never Ever Give Up’

To help celebrate the Summer Games in Paris (July 26–Aug. 11), AARP is checking with some of the most iconic figures in U.S. Olympic history about their magical moments — and the new passions that shape their lives today.

Growing up in an accomplished family in South Orange, New Jersey, Joetta (who now goes by her first name) started running at age 9 and became one of the world’s most celebrated middle-distance runners. Her father, Joe Clark, is the iconic principal depicted in the film Lean on Me, but Joetta set her own pace early on, consistently dominating the 800-meter and 1,500-meter events, and earning national titles and setting records. Beyond her Olympic pursuits, she became a powerful advocate for youth fitness and education, founding the Joetta Clark Diggs Sports Foundation. Her legacy is defined not only by her athletics but by her dedication to empowering the next generation of athletes.

Olympic Reflections: My family went one, two, three in the Olympic trials in track and field in 2000. My sister, Hazel Clark, took the top spot in the 800 meters. My sister-in-law, Jearl Miles-Clark, came in second, and I was third and became team captain that year. We were all coached by my brother, J.J. Clark, who’s Jearl’s husband. And what’s really beautiful was that my parents were with us in Sydney to watch us compete, including my father, Joe Clark, the high school principal that Morgan Freeman portrayed in the movie Lean on Me.

Meaning in the Medals: I’m not an Olympic gold medalist, but I’ve got the gold medal in life. I’ve traveled the world, I didn’t have to pay anything for college, and I’ve had the opportunity to touch so many lives as a proponent of the Olympian mindset, which to me is: You’re not always going to win but never ever give up. That continues to be my guiding philosophy.

Outside the Arena: My father’s message to us was: Don’t let the ‘dastards’ get you down. [He did not swear.] Life throws so much at you, but you can’t let it wear you down. Keep reaching beyond the knot. In high school that meant making sacrifices, not going to prom because we had to practice or go to a dance recital. That was tough, but it made us champions. Today I’m inspiring the next generation with my sports foundation, which has given over $100,000 to support student athletes.

The Shape I’m In: My goal is to live to be 100, so I take care of myself with diet and exercise. I’ve also been blessed with Olympic genes.

Going to the Games? Nope — I’m going to watch on TV.