Caitlyn Jenner emerged as one of the most notable athletes during the 1970s. She secured a gold medal and established a new world record at the 1976 Olympics held in Montreal, and following the conclusion of her athletic career, she ventured into the entertainment industry.

However, as of now, Caitlyn has garnered attention for publicly identifying as transgender and undergoing hormone treatments for her gender transition. Her choice was commendable, and to this day, Jenner has become a source of inspiration for many.

Nevertheless, the former elite athlete continues to feel that the “old Bruce” resides within her. This encapsulates everything you need to know about Caitlyn Jenner!

Caitlyn Jenner was born William Bruce Jenner on October 28, 1949, in Mount Kisco, New York. As a child, she faced challenges with dyslexia, but despite these difficulties, athletics became her refuge. Throughout her youth, Caitlyn achieved significant success in various sports, showcasing her remarkable talent.

Caitlyn Jenner – early life
During her high school years, Jenner excelled in football, basketball, and water skiing. However, it was track and field that ultimately captured her heart.

Initially, Caitlyn received a football scholarship to Graceland College in Iowa. Unfortunately, a knee injury sidelined her from the field, prompting her to transition to track and field.

As previously noted, Caitlyn was an exceptionally talented athlete, earning the title of Most Valuable Player on her high school basketball, football, and track teams. Yet, even at that stage in her life, she grappled with her gender identity.

“I look at guys and I go…’ He’s comfortable in his own skin,’” Jenner reflected. “And I thought, ‘Wouldn’t that be a nice way to go through life?’ I look at women all the time thinking, ‘Oh my God, how lucky are they that they can wake up in the morning and be themselves. But me, I’m stuck here in the middle.”

Caitlyn Jenner’s track coach in college, L.D Weldon, encouraged her to begin training for the Olympic decathlon – a combined event.

In 1971, Caitlyn emerged unexpectedly and triumphed at the Kansas Relays. The following year, she secured a spot on the US Olympic team, finishing 10th in the decathlon at the Munich Olympics.

Olympic superstar
This was a significant accomplishment, yet Jenner was aware that she could achieve even more. Consequently, she embarked on a rigorous training regimen, dedicating eight hours daily to practice for the next four years.

When the Olympic Games took place in Montreal, Canada, in 1976, Jenner was fully prepared.

On July 30, 1976, at the age of 26, she clinched the Olympic decathlon title and established a new world record with a score of 8,618 points.

During a tumultuous time in the US, marked by the aftermath of Vietnam, Watergate, and various other major issues, Jenner’s Olympic gold medal was a significant achievement. She was celebrated as a larger-than-life American hero and became a symbol of masculinity, characterized by her long, flowing hair reminiscent of a lion.

She was recognized as the world’s most exceptional athlete. However, despite embodying masculinity, she felt like a woman when she received the gold medal.

“I see a confused person at that time, running away from my life … with big-time fear,” Caitlyn shared with ABC. “[I was] scared to death. I didn’t realize what my future held at that time.”

“That is me. That is her,” she continued, alluding to her gender identity. “[You can be a woman] and still kick butt.”

“I was totally empty inside”
Due to her monumental Olympic victory, Caitlyn Jenner not only became an American icon but also faced the inevitability of fame, and upon her return to the United States, everyone sought her attention.

Jenner secured numerous endorsement deals, evolving into a national brand. Additionally, she featured in advertisements, television shows, and even films.

Nevertheless, behind the persona of Bruce Jenner, she was a different individual.

In 1977, Jenner was selected in the seventh round of the National Basketball Association draft by the Kansas City Kings. Yet, as she stood on stage, absorbing the fame, she felt…

In 2013, Kris and Caitlyn ended their relationship. Four months later, she continued her transition without informing her children.

She still feels as though Bruce resides within her. Jenner was concerned about her family’s reaction to the news, as they were unaware of her intentions.

“That night I thought, ‘oh, it’s, like, over. Heart’s pounding… and I thought wouldn’t the easiest thing to be right now,’” Caitlyn Jenner recounted.

In 2014, the divorce between Kris and Caitlyn was finalized. She disclosed her transition to all of her children, receiving overwhelming support from each of them.

As of now, Caitlyn Jenner has fully embraced her new life, which is certainly quite different from her previous one. Kendall and Kylie occasionally still refer to her as “dad.” However, she stated that she has no issues with this, despite the potential confusion.

“I know we had a talk a few years ago and you were ok with us still calling you dad. How do you feel about that now?” her daughter, Kylie, inquired of Caitlyn in a video on her YouTube channel:

Caitlyn Jenner – net worth

“I believe it was one of the best decisions I made. Sometimes this community can be quite challenging, particularly regarding pronouns, and everyone has their own opinion,” Caitlyn responded.

“But I truly felt from the outset that I needed to do it my way, which works for me, and everyone out there can do it their way that suits them. Some may say, ‘You’re the mother,’ but I’m not. I’m the dad; I’ve been the dad all along, and I will be their father until the day they die or I do.”

Even though it has been over five years since Caitlyn Jenner transitioned, she still feels that “Bruce” exists within her. Just as before her transition, she continues to enjoy activities that Bruce liked, such as car racing and flying planes.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Caitlyn Jenner’s net worth is approximately $100 million.

Caitlyn Jenner is a courageous individual and a role model for many. Please share this article on Facebook with your friends and family!