Caitlyn Jenner rose to fame as a remarkable athlete during the 1970s, capturing global attention with her gold medal win and the setting of a new world record at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. Post-athletics, Caitlyn found opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Today, beyond her sporting accolades, Caitlyn is prominently recognized for her brave decision to come out as transgender and undergo hormone treatments for her gender transition. Her journey has turned her into a source of inspiration and a role model for many people.
Despite her public transition, Caitlyn admits that the “old Bruce” still remains within her. Here’s a closer look at Caitlyn Jenner’s incredible story.
Caitlyn Jenner came into this world as William Bruce Jenner on October 28, 1949, in Mount Kisco, New York. As a child, she faced challenges with dyslexia, which made school tough, but athletics offered her an escape. Caitlyn’s talent in sports soon became apparent, and she excelled in various disciplines during her formative years.
Caitlyn Jenner’s Early Life
During high school, Jenner stood out in football, basketball, and water skiing, although she found her true calling in track and field. Initially, she accepted a football scholarship to Graceland College in Iowa. However, following a knee injury, Caitlyn transitioned to track and field as her primary focus.
Jenner’s athletic prowess was evident as she was recognized as the Most Valuable Player of her high school sports teams, encompassing basketball, football, and track. Nonetheless, alongside her athletic achievements, she grappled with her gender identity even from an early age.
“I would see guys and think they seemed so comfortable in their skin,” Jenner reflected. “And I’d think, ‘How fortunate are they?’ I’d look at women and feel like they could just be themselves, while I felt trapped.”
Caitlyn’s college track coach, L.D. Weldon, saw her potential and urged her to train for the challenging Olympic decathlon. His expertise in track and field helped mold Caitlyn into an outstanding decathlete.
In 1971, Caitlyn made a surprising win at the Kansas Relays. By the next year, she secured a place on the US Olympic team, achieving 10th place in Munich’s decathlon.
Becoming an Olympic Superstar
The Munich achievement paved the way, but Caitlyn was determined to do better. She embarked on a formidable training schedule, dedicating eight hours each day for four years.
When the 1976 Olympic Games arrived in Montreal, Canada, Caitlyn was poised for greatness.
On July 30, 1976, at just 26 years old, Caitlyn won the Olympic decathlon, setting a new record with 8,618 points.
The US needed heroes amidst the shadow of Vietnam, Watergate, and other national issues. Caitlyn’s victory made her an emblem of hope and strength, with her striking, long, flowing hair contributing to an iconic image of American masculinity.
Though celebrated as a male athletic icon, internally Caitlyn resonated with her female identity when receiving her gold medal.
“At that time, I felt confused, running away from fears,” Caitlyn told ABC. “I was scared of what the future held, not knowing then how I’d navigate my journey.”
She continued, “That was me, living authentically,” she said about her identity, showing that you can achieve great things regardless of gender.
Feeling “Empty Inside” Despite Fame
Following her Olympic triumph, Caitlyn did not just become a national treasure but also a sought-after figure in the media. Endorsements flooded in, and she found herself on television, even in films.
However, behind the celebrated exterior was a different reality. As Bruce Jenner, Caitlyn felt disconnected from herself.
In 1977, Caitlyn was drafted into the NBA’s Kansas City Kings, and despite the outward celebrations, internally, she felt like she was not being truthful.
“Off stage, I felt deceitful,” she confessed. “My story was untold, and I longed to share more beyond those celebrated stadium moments. Despite fame, I was empty inside.”
Caitlyn’s path to success started years ago when she married Chrystie Scott in 1971. Chrystie supported him, working as a flight attendant to help Caitlyn succeed in sports.
Caitlyn Jenner – Marriage and Family
With their first child, Burt, arriving in 1978, and daughter Cassandra following two years later, hope was high, though the couple had parted ways by then.
Chrystie was the first to know about Caitlyn’s gender identity struggles. “I shared my challenges with gender identity with her,” Caitlyn explained, “assuming it would resolve, but it persisted.”
Despite her struggles, Caitlyn opted to keep them private. Later, in 1981, she wed Linda Thompson, having sons Brody and Brandon with her, before separating after five years.
Their split was influenced by Caitlyn’s ongoing gender identity challenges. Thompson always supported her, motivated by a hope that Caitlyn’s journey would inspire others.
After separating from Linda, Caitlyn sought professional guidance and engaged in hormone treatments throughout the 1980s. She began transitioning, but paused at age 39.
Pausing the Transition Journey
As societal understanding of transgender experiences wasn’t what it is today, Caitlyn battled with revealing her truth due to public perceptions.
Bravely, she confided in her sister Pam, marking the first moment she shared her struggle with a family member.
In 1991, her life intertwined with Kris Jenner, leading to the births of her well-known children, Kylie and Kendall Jenner.
Their marriage remained strong for nearly 20 years, gaining fame through ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians,’ a platform that exposed their private lives, yet Caitlyn felt inauthentic living as a man.
In 2013, she separated from Kris, and four months later resumed transitioning, initially keeping it from her children.
The Continuing Presence of ‘Bruce’
Concerned about her family’s reaction, Caitlyn was relieved when her children supported her transition once fully informed in 2014.
Today, Caitlyn embraces her life, significantly different from her past persona. With humor and grace, she is comfortable when her children still refer to her as “dad.”
“I made the right choice,” Caitlyn shared in a conversation with her daughter Kylie, emphasizing individuality and acceptance in choosing one’s own path.
Remaining connected to her past, Caitlyn indulges in activities ‘Bruce’ enjoyed, like racing and flying, even as she progresses in her new life.
As reported by Celebrity Net Worth, Caitlyn Jenner’s financial worth is estimated to be around $100 million.
Caitlyn Jenner is courageous and an inspiring figure. Sharing her story can encourage deep understanding and acceptance, helping spread positivity and strength.
