UCLA’s Darnesha Griffith knows a little something about success.
Her aunts are the late Florence Griffith Joyner and Jackie Joyner-Kersee. But beyond Darnesha’s genetics, the sophomore’s jumping prowess can be linked her work ethic. But that too can be traced to her familial surroundings. In high school, Darnesha lived with Al Joyner and Flo Jo, with whom she used to go on runs. She’s even been through some of Al’s legendary high-powered workouts.
That’s likely why as a Trabuco Hills senior in 1998, Darnesha was able to so adeptly make use of a one-time California Southern Section ruling that allowed her to compete in two meets on one day. In a matter of hours, she leapt to second place in the long jump with a leap of 18-8 at the Arcadia Invitational after first winning the county championships with a jump of 18-2.
Darnesha is focused on the high jump. And it’s paid off. Her mark of 5-10 3/4 earned her first place at the U.S. Junior meet last year. And she’s ranked first in the Pac-10 in her event with 6 feet, 3/4 inches heading into this weekend’s championships. -M.S.