Caitlyn Jenner feels that ‘old Bruce’ still lives inside her

Caitlyn Jenner emerged as a leading athlete in the 1970s, achieving significant recognition by winning a gold medal and establishing a new world record at the 1976 Olympics held in Montreal. Following her athletic career, she transitioned into the entertainment industry.

In recent years, Caitlyn has gained attention for her courageous decision to come out as transgender and undergo hormone therapy as part of her gender transition. This choice has positioned her as a role model for many individuals today.

Despite her transformation, Caitlyn acknowledges that the “old Bruce” remains a part of her identity. Here is a brief overview of Caitlyn Jenner’s life.

Born William Bruce Jenner on October 28, 1949, in Mount Kisco, New York, Caitlyn faced challenges with dyslexia during her childhood. However, sports became a refuge for her, and she demonstrated remarkable talent across various athletic disciplines.

In her early years, Caitlyn excelled in football, basketball, and water skiing during high school, but it was track and field that truly captured her passion.

Initially, she received a football scholarship to Graceland College in Iowa. Unfortunately, a knee injury sidelined her from the sport, prompting her to shift her focus to track and field.

Caitlyn’s athletic prowess was evident as she earned the title of Most Valuable Player on her high school basketball, football, and track teams. However, even at that stage in her life, she grappled with issues related to her gender identity.

“I observe men and think, ‘He’s so comfortable in his own skin,’” Jenner reflected. “I often look at women and envy their ability to wake up and be themselves. Meanwhile, I feel trapped in between.”

Her college track coach, L.D. Weldon, encouraged her to pursue training for the Olympic decathlon, a multifaceted event that would ultimately shape her athletic legacy.
In 1971, Caitlyn Jenner emerged unexpectedly to claim victory at the Kansas Relays. The following year, she secured a spot on the US Olympic team, ultimately finishing 10th in the decathlon at the Munich Olympics.

Olympic Icon
This accomplishment was significant, yet Jenner believed she could achieve even greater heights. Consequently, she embarked on a rigorous training regimen, dedicating eight hours each day to practice for the next four years.

By the time the Olympic Games were held in Montreal, Canada, in 1976, Jenner was fully prepared.

On July 30, 1976, at the age of 26, she triumphed in the Olympic decathlon, setting a new world record with a score of 8,618 points.

During a tumultuous period in the United States, marked by the aftermath of the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, and various other challenges, Jenner’s Olympic gold medal became a beacon of hope. She was celebrated as a larger-than-life American hero, embodying a masculine ideal with her long, flowing hair.

She was recognized as one of the world’s premier athletes. However, despite her status as a symbol of masculinity, she felt a deep sense of femininity when she received her 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 remarked, alluding to her gender identity. “[You can be a woman] and still kick butt.”

“I was totally empty inside”
Caitlyn Jenner’s monumental Olympic victory not only established her as an American icon but also made her a target for fame. Upon her return to the United States, she found herself in high demand.

Jenner secured numerous endorsement deals, evolving into a national brand. She appeared in advertisements, television shows, and even films.

Yet, behind the persona of Bruce Jenner, a different individual existed.

In 1977, Jenner was selected in the seventh round of the National Basketball Association draft by the Kansas City Kings. However, as she stood on stage, absorbing the fame, she felt a profound disconnect.
Seven years prior to her Olympic triumph in 1971, Caitlyn Jenner married her college sweetheart, Chrystie Scott. At that time, Scott was employed as a flight attendant while Jenner worked nights in insurance sales, fully committed to supporting her husband in achieving their Olympic aspirations.

Caitlyn Jenner – marriage, spouse, children
Their first child, Burt, was born in 1978, followed by the arrival of their daughter, Cassandra, two years later. However, during Chrystie’s pregnancy with Cassandra, the couple had already separated.

In an interview with ABC, Jenner mentioned that Chrystie was likely “the first one to know” about her struggles with gender identity.

“I didn’t delve deeply into it at that time,” Caitlyn recounted. “I simply stated, ‘these are my issues. This is what I am dealing with.’ They assumed I was just engaging in a bit of cross-dressing, thinking, ‘it will all work out.’”

Despite grappling with her gender identity, Jenner kept her feelings concealed. In 1981, she married Linda Thompson, with whom she had two sons, Brody and Brandon Jenner. The couple divorced five years later.

Caitlyn later disclosed that her struggles with gender identity contributed to the dissolution of their marriage. Nevertheless, Thompson expressed her unwavering support for Caitlyn, stating, “My hope is that his transition will inspire others who struggle with their identities, and my prayer is that humanity has evolved and been educated enough toCaitlyn Jenner exemplifies bravery, both in the past and present. She took the significant step of confiding in her older sister Pam about the gender identity struggles she faced, marking the first occasion a family member was made aware of her situation.

Despite this openness, several family members found it challenging to comprehend her journey.

In 1991, Caitlyn married Kris Jenner, and their marriage lasted until 2015. Together, they welcomed their most well-known children, Kylie and Kendall Jenner.

The union between Kris and Caitlyn endured for nearly twenty years, during which their family gained immense popularity after being featured in the reality television series Keeping Up With The Kardashians, which began airing in 2007. Despite this fame, Caitlyn grappled with feelings of inauthenticity while living as a man.

Regarding her transition, Caitlyn stated, “I believe it was one of the best decisions I ever made. The community can be quite challenging at times, particularly concerning pronouns, and everyone has their own perspective.”

She continued, “From the outset, I felt it was essential to navigate this journey in a way that suited me, and I encourage others to do the same. Some may refer to me as ‘the mother,’ but I identify as the dad. I have always been their father and will continue to be until the end of my life or theirs.”

Even after more than five years since her transition, Caitlyn maintains that “Bruce” remains a part of her. She continues to enjoy activities that Bruce once loved, such as car racing and flying.

As reported by Celebrity Net Worth, Caitlyn Jenner’s estimated net worth is approximately $100 million.

Caitlyn Jenner stands as a courageous individual and an inspiration to many. Please consider sharing this article on Facebook with your friends and family.