Early Life and Education of Caitlyn Jenner: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 30, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Caitlyn Jenner. A timeline of key moments.

Caitlyn Jenner is an American media personality and retired Olympic gold medal-winning decathlete. Formerly known as Bruce Jenner, she gained fame for her athletic achievements and later transitioned and publicly came out as a transgender woman in 2015. This transition brought her significant media attention, making her a prominent figure in the transgender community and an advocate for transgender rights. She has since appeared in reality television shows and used her platform to speak about her experiences and promote transgender awareness.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

October 28, 1949: William Bruce Jenner's Birth

On October 28, 1949, Caitlyn Marie Jenner, formerly known as William Bruce Jenner, was born in Mount Kisco, New York.

Others born on this day/year

1968: High School Graduation

In 1968, Jenner graduated from Newtown High School in Newtown, Connecticut.

1970: Decathlon Debut

In 1970, Jenner debuted as a decathlete in the Drake Relays decathlon in Des Moines, Iowa, finishing in fifth place.

1972: Decision to Dedicate to Decathlon

In 1972, Jenner decided to dedicate four years to the decathlon, with the intention of moving on afterwards.

1972: U.S. Olympic Trials and Inspiration

In 1972, Jenner qualified for the Olympic team at the U.S. Olympic Trials and later competed in the Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany. Inspired by Mykola Avilov, Jenner began an intense training regimen.

1973: Decathlon Competition

From 1973 to 1976, Jenner competed in the decathlons.

1973: College Graduation

In 1973, Jenner graduated from Graceland College with a degree in physical education.

November 30, 1976: Brother's Death

On November 30, 1976, Jenner's younger brother, Burt, died in a car accident in Canton, Connecticut.

1976: Decathlon Competition

From 1973 to 1976, Jenner competed in the decathlons.

1976: Intense Training

In 1976, Jenner trained for the Games, 6–8 hours a day, every day, 365 days a year.

1977: NBA Draft Selection

In 1977, Jenner was selected by the Kansas City Kings in the NBA draft as a publicity stunt.

April 2015: Public Coming Out

In April 2015, Jenner publicly came out as a trans woman.

June 2015: Name Change

In June 2015, William Bruce Jenner was known as Bruce until this time,.

2015: General Mills's Response

In 2015, after Jenner came out as a trans woman, General Mills initially stated that "Bruce Jenner continues to be a respected member of Team Wheaties," later clarifying it to "Bruce Jenner has been a respected member of Team Wheaties, and Caitlyn Jenner will continue to be."

2021: California Gubernatorial Recall Election

In 2021, Jenner ran in the California gubernatorial recall election as a member of the Republican Party, finishing 13th with one percent of the vote. Also in 2021, Jenner was hired by Fox News as an on-air contributor.