Caitlyn Jenner’s Early Life

Born William Bruce Jenner on October 28, 1949, in Mount Kisco, New York, Caitlyn struggled with dyslexia but excelled in athletics. In high school, she shone in football, basketball, and water skiing, eventually discovering her passion for track and field.

College and Early Success

Caitlyn received a football scholarship from Graceland College, but a knee injury shifted her focus to track and field. Excelling in sports, she became the Most Valuable Player in basketball, football, and track teams, despite struggling with gender identity.

Path to the Olympics

Encouraged by her college track coach L.D. Weldon, Caitlyn trained for the Olympic decathlon. In 1971, she won the Kansas Relays and finished 10th in the 1972 Munich Olympics. Determined to improve, she trained intensely for four years.

Olympic Triumph

At the 1976 Montreal Olympics, Caitlyn won the decathlon and set a world record with 8,618 points. Her victory made her a national hero during a tumultuous time in the U.S. Despite being celebrated for her masculinity, Caitlyn felt like a woman even as she received her gold medal.

Fame and Personal Struggles

Post-Olympics, Caitlyn became a national brand with numerous endorsements and TV appearances. However, she felt empty inside, unable to share her true self. Married in 1971 to Chrystie Scott, they had two children, Burt and Cassandra, before divorcing in 1981.

Continued Struggles and Second Marriage

In 1981, Caitlyn married Linda Thompson, with whom she had sons Brody and Brandon. They divorced five years later, partly due to her struggles with gender identity. Despite this, Thompson always supported Caitlyn’s journey.

Transition and Third Marriage

In the late 1980s, Caitlyn began hormone treatments and facial surgeries but halted her transition at 39. In 1991, she married Kris Jenner, with whom she had Kylie and Kendall. Their family gained fame through “Keeping Up With The Kardashians.”