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Caitlyn Jenner’s life is one of incredible highs and personal struggles. Born William Bruce Jenner on October 28, 1949, in Mount Kisco, New York, she overcame childhood dyslexia to become a star athlete. Even as a kid, she excelled at football, basketball, and water skiing, but track and field became her true passion.
Her college years saw her switch from a football scholarship at Graceland College (after a knee injury) to track and field. She was a naturally gifted athlete, named MVP in multiple high school sports. But even then, she wrestled with her gender identity, feeling different and observing others’ comfort in their own skin.
Her track coach, L.D. Weldon, saw her potential and guided her towards the decathlon. In 1971, she unexpectedly won the Kansas Relays. After placing 10th in the Munich Olympics in 1972, she dedicated herself to rigorous training – eight hours a day for four years.
At the 1976 Montreal Olympics, she won gold, setting a new world record. Her victory came at a time of national turmoil in the US, making her a symbol of hope and success. Ironically, despite being seen as a symbol of masculinity, she felt profoundly like a woman at that moment.
The Olympic win brought immense fame and fortune. She landed endorsement deals, appeared in ads, TV shows, and even movies. But underneath the public persona of Bruce Jenner, a different person struggled. She felt like a fraud, unable to share her true identity. She even got drafted by the NBA’s Kansas City Kings but felt the emptiness inside deeply.
Her personal life was equally complex. She married Chrystie Scott in 1971, having children Burt and Cassandra. Chrystie, perhaps the first to know about Caitlyn’s struggles, supported her through this time. After they divorced, Caitlyn married Linda Thompson, having sons Brody and Brandon. Linda later expressed support for Caitlyn’s transition.
In the late 80s, Caitlyn began hormone treatments and some cosmetic procedures, planning a full transition before turning 40, but she ultimately stopped.
In 1991, she married Kris Jenner, and their marriage lasted until 2013. Their reality show, Keeping Up With the Kardashians, brought them massive fame, but Caitlyn still felt she was living a lie.
In 2014, after separating from Kris, she resumed her transition, and finally told her children. She received their support, though the adjustment for everyone was significant. Kendall and Kylie sometimes still call her “dad,” which Caitlyn is okay with.
Even after transitioning, Caitlyn says that “Bruce” still exists within her. She continues to enjoy activities Bruce loved, like car racing and flying. Despite everything, Caitlyn Jenner is a symbol of courage and resilience, with a net worth estimated at around $100 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
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