February 12, 2014

Wilma Rudolph

By: Ms. K

Wilma was born June 23, 1940 in Saint Bethlehem Tennessee. Rudolph had to wear a brace on her left leg when she was younger because she was stricken with Polo. She over came her difficulties with physical therapy and having determination. “My doctors told me I would never walk again. My mother told me I would. I believed my mother.” She would become a gifted runner. She went through her trials and tribulation as a child but she had a mother who was supportive and believe she can get better.

Did you know that Wilma was the first American Woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympics in 1960.

Gold 1960 Rome 100 m

Gold 1960 Rome 200 m

Gold 1960 Rome 4×100 m relay

After the Olympics games in Rome, Rudolph made several appearance on television and received several honors. She even received the Associated Woman Athlete of the Year Award, not once both twice for 1960 and 1961. Rudolph retired from competition and became a teacher and a track and field coach.

Wilma Rudolph said “Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose … If you can pick up after a crushing defeat, and go on to win again, you are going to be a champion someday.”