The Tragic Final Match: How Olympic Volleyball Star Flo Hyman's Death Unmasked a Silent Killer
1984 Olympic volleyball silver medalist Flo Hyman was a giant in her sport. At 31, she collapsed and died during a match in Japan, her tragic death revealing she had undiagnosed Marfan Syndrome, a silent genetic disorder that turned her physical gifts into a fatal vulnerability.
On January 24, 1986, during a professional volleyball match in Matsue, Japan, one of the sport's greatest titans sat down on the bench. Flora "Flo" Hyman, the 6-foot-5-inch powerhouse who had led the U.S. Women's Volleyball team to a historic silver medal at the 1984 Olympics, had just been substituted out of the game. Moments later, she collapsed. She would never get back up. Her sudden death at the age of 31 sent shockwaves through the sports world, but the tragedy would unveil a hidden medical condition that turned her greatest physical assets into her most fatal flaw.
A Towering Talent
Flo Hyman was more than just a volleyball player; she was a phenomenon. Born in Inglewood, California, she was self-conscious about her height from a young age, but she learned to embrace it on the volleyball court. She became the first female scholarship athlete at the University of Houston, where she dominated as a three-time All-American. Foregoing her final year of college, she dedicated herself full-time to the U.S. national team in 1974, with her sights set firmly on Olympic gold.
Hyman was renowned for her powerful spike, reportedly capable of traveling over 110 mph. She was the soul of a U.S. team that rose to international prominence, culminating in a silver medal finish at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Though they lost the final to a formidable Chinese team, Hyman and her teammates had captured the nation's heart and cemented their place in volleyball history.
The Collapse on the Court
After the Olympics, Hyman continued her career in the highly competitive Japanese league. During that fateful 1986 match, she signaled to her coach for a substitution and calmly sat on the bench, cheering on her teammates. Shortly thereafter, she slumped to the floor. The cause was initially reported as a heart attack, a shocking but seemingly straightforward explanation for the sudden death of an elite athlete. The truth, however, was far more complex and would serve as a crucial medical lesson.
A Hidden Diagnosis Revealed
An autopsy revealed that Flo Hyman did not die from a heart attack. She died from an aortic dissection, a catastrophic tear in the body's largest artery. This event was a direct result of undiagnosed Marfan Syndrome, a genetic disorder of the connective tissue. Ironically, the very traits that made Hyman a volleyball legend—her exceptional height, long arms, and large hands—were all classic physical markers of the syndrome. While these attributes gave her an unparalleled advantage on the court, the disorder was simultaneously weakening the walls of her aorta, creating a ticking time bomb in her chest.
Her coach, Arie Selinger, gave a heartbreakingly poignant statement following her death:
The frailty of her cardiovascular system, which was unable to keep up with the demands of this magnificent, strong, and powerful athlete.
Marfan Syndrome affects the body's ability to produce the protein that gives connective tissue its elasticity and strength. This can lead to problems in the heart, blood vessels, bones, joints, and eyes. Hyman’s case became a tragic, high-profile example of the disorder's deadly potential when left undetected.
A Legacy of Awareness
While Flo Hyman’s death was a profound loss, her story became a powerful catalyst for change. It brought unprecedented public awareness to Marfan Syndrome, a condition many had never heard of. Her family members were subsequently tested, and her story has prompted countless other tall athletes and individuals to seek screening for the disorder, a legacy that has undoubtedly saved lives.
Today, Flo Hyman is remembered not just for her silver medal or her devastating spike, but for the silent battle she fought unknowingly. She was inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame, and the annual Flo Hyman Memorial Award honors a female athlete who exemplifies her dignity, spirit, and commitment. Her story remains a vital reminder of the hidden vulnerabilities that can exist even in the strongest of champions, and of a legacy that transcended the volleyball court.