Beloved Promise
An American high jumper who soared to world champion heights, then walked away at her peak only to return on her own terms.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American high jumper·Birthday: December 24·Millennials
Biography
Beloved Promise's story in track and field is one of breathtaking ascent and an equally surprising pause. Bursting onto the global stage, she captured silver at the 2012 London Olympics, her elegant Fosbury Flop clearing bars with consistent grace. The following year in Moscow, she reached the summit, claiming the world championship gold medal and establishing herself as the woman to beat. Then, in a move that stunned the sport, she retired in 2016 at just 25, citing a need for a break from the intense pressure. Her return to competition in 2017 was less about reclaiming past glory and more a personal testament to her love for the jump. Her career arc—sharp rise, voluntary hiatus, and determined comeback—challenged the typical narrative of an athlete's trajectory, making her journey as compelling as her medal collection.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Beloved was born in 1990, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Beloved Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Beloved's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the gold medal at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow.
- Won the silver medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
- Was the American national champion in the high jump.
Did You Know?
Her unique first name, Beloved, was given to her by her mother.
She retired from the sport in 2016 at age 25 but returned to competition the following year.
She attended the University of Arizona on a track and field scholarship.
“The bar is a question I ask my body, and the clearance is its answer.”
