Anna Hall opens up on legendary athlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s advice during the US Olympic Trials that helped her to qualify for Paris Olympics

Anna Hall qualified for her maiden Olympics after becoming the heptathlon champion at the US Olympic Track and Field Trials. She recently revealed that legendary athlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee's advice and mentorship were one of the reasons behind her motivation during the trials.

Hall earned a total of 6614 points after winning the 800m in 2:04.39, and booked her Paris Olympics berth. She went through a series of adversities with her injuries that she sustained in 2023, and she also started her 2024 season with a knee injury. The 23-year-old has now made a perfect comeback with her Olympic qualification.

One of the reasons behind the 23-year-old's comeback is Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee, who is a retired American track and field athlete renowned for her hepathlon and long jump excellence. She is a three-time Olympic gold medalist in both disciplines.

Hall said that Joyner-Kersee called her three times before the trials and motivated her for it.

"There's a huge mentorship there, it's meant the world," said Hall (as quoted by Olympics.com). "She called me three times last week and said, 'I'm calling you every other day; I'm sorry if I'm annoying you. ' She told me that I needed to believe in myself."

"I just really tapped down into my self-belief again. I had to tap into the competitor that I am. And I just kept telling myself that I'm one of the toughest competitors out here so, act like it," she added.

The 62-year-old was present at Hayward Field on June 24, and got emotional when Hall booked her tickets for the Paris Olympics.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee on Anna Hall's potential

Jackie Joyner-Kersee at the Adidas Three Stripes Festival in 2024

Jackie Joyner-Kersee recently spoke to Olympics.com about Anna Hall's potential and her being one of the "toughest competitors ever". The former athlete also believes that Hall has the mindset to achieve anything, and there's "no giving up" for her.

"Anna Hall is one of the toughest competitors I've seen," said Joyner Kersee. "She'll go through a brick wall to get it done. She has the mindset that, if she's out there, there's no giving up on Anna: She's going to give it her all."

Along with this, Joyner Kersee also shared her advice on Hall's injury,

"Now it's just making sure she stays healthy. She can compete and give them a run for their money. She's a tough competitor."

The US Olympic Trials was Anna Hall's first heptathlon event of 2024. Before that, she competed in a few track events, finishing third in the 200m race of the Tom Jones Memorial.