William Bruce Jenner, now known as Caitlyn Jenner, is a former US track and field athlete, a businessman, and a famous television personality. With his Olympic gold medal in decathlon and numerous accomplishments, Caitlyn has become a household name. In addition to his successful sports career, Caitlyn is also a sportscaster, commentator, and a competitive racer. He is known for his charitable work and serves as an advisor on various advisory boards. Caitlyn’s message of “Finding the Champion Within” has made him an adored motivational speaker. He has also gained attention through his participation in reality TV shows and his love for golf, racing cars, and flying motorized helicopters. Caitlyn’s enthusiasm and versatility make him a true Jack of all trades.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Caitlyn Marie Jenner, William Bruce Jenner
- Age: 74 Years, 74 Year Old Males
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Kris Jenner (m. 1991), Linda Thompson (m. 1981–1983) Chrystie Crownover
- Father: William Hugh Jenner
- Mother: Esther Jenner, Esther R.
- Siblings: Burt Jenner, Lisa Jenner, Pam Mettler
- Children: Brandon Jenner, Brody Jenner, Casey Jenner, Cassandra Marino, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner
- Born Country: United States
- Quotes By Caitlyn Jenner
- Transgenders
- Height: 6’2″ (188 cm), 6’2″ Males
- Notable Alumni: Graceland University, Newtown High School
- Diseases & Disabilities: Dyslexia
- U.S. State: New Yorkers
- Founder/Co-Founder: Bruce Jenner Aviation
- Education: Newtown High School, Sleepy Hollow High School, Graceland College, Graceland University
- Awards:
- 1976 – Montreal Olympic Gold Medal
- 1975 – Pan American Gold Medal
Childhood & Early Life
Bruce Jenner was born to a tree surgeon, William Hugh Jenner, and his wife Estelle Jenner. He was the second among their seven children. His grandfather was also an athlete who had participated in the Boston Marathon several times. Jenner attended Newtown High School in Newtown, Connecticut after spending a year at Sleepy Hollow High School in Sleepy Hollow, New York. It was during fifth grade that his teachers and he realized his athletic abilities, and he was incorporated into the school’s football, basketball, and track teams. After graduating from high school, he received a football scholarship to Graceland University in Iowa. However, a knee injury forced him to stop playing football. After 16 months, he completed his first decathlon at the Drake relays, finishing in fifth position. Graceland’s track coach, L. D. Weldon, recognized his athletic abilities and worked with him to enhance his potential in decathlon.
Career
In 1972, Jenner secured third position in the decathlon at the US Olympic trials and finished tenth at the Munich Olympics. He underwent rigorous training at the San Jose City College track and went on to win the gold medal in decathlon at the Montreal Olympics in 1976, setting a world record of 8616 points. After his Olympic success, Jenner gave up vaulting and pursued opportunities in commercials and movies. He appeared in commercials as the “Wheaties champion” and starred in movies such as “Can’t Stop the Music” (1980) and “Jack and Jill” (2011). Jenner also ventured into television, starring in TV movies and series such as “CHiPs” and “Skating with Celebrities.” He also made appearances on various talk shows and game shows.
In addition to his entertainment career, Jenner had a successful stint as a race driver, winning the 12 hours of Sebring in 1986. He also ventured into business, owning a company named “Bruce Jenner Aviation” and serving as the business development vice president for a staffing industry software application called “JennerNet.”
Major Works
One of Jenner’s major achievements was winning the gold medal for decathlon at the 1976 summer Olympics in Montreal. He also set a world record of 8616 points in the decathlon event. Jenner’s appearance in the reality series “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” in the late 2000s also brought him significant fame and success.
Personal Life
Jenner has been married three times. His first marriage was to Chrystie Crownover from 1972 to 1981, with whom he has two children. He then married Linda Thompson in 1981 and had two sons with her. They appeared in their own reality show called “The Princes of Malibu.” In 1991, Jenner married Kris Kardashian, with whom he has two daughters and became the step-father to Kris’ four children from her previous marriage. Jenner’s transition into a woman began in 2015, and he changed his name to Caitlyn Jenner. In an interview, Jenner revealed that she had struggled with gender identity throughout her life and was embracing her femininity.
Awards & Achievements
Jenner won the gold medal for decathlon at the 1976 summer Olympics in Montreal. He also received the James E. Sullivan award as the top amateur athlete in the USA and was named the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year in the same year. He has been inducted into the United States National Track and Field Hall of Fame, the Olympic Hall of Fame, the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame, the Connecticut Sports Hall of Fame, and the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame.
Trivia
Jenner is mentioned by name in the Monique Powell song “Spam” and the Pearl Jam song “Olympic Platinum.” He was also diagnosed with dyslexia in early childhood and has been involved in raising awareness about dyslexia through his documentary “Demystifying Dyslexia.”