Wilma Rudolph

From a poor segregated polio stricken child, 20th of 22, Wilma Rudolph made herself a place in history both in women’s running and women’s rights. Born prematurely, on June 23rd 1940, was only the first in a string of hurdles that Wilma would overcome in fast-running colors. At the age of four it was found she suffered from Polio and told she would never walk again. Thanks to her mother’s diligence in caring for her daughter not only at home, but travelling 50 miles from their home in Clarksville Tennessee twice weekly for two years to the medical college of Fisk University in Nashville, Wilma not only walked again, but became the first woman to take three gold medals in track and field from a single Olympic Games (summer 1960, Rome).

By 1952, at the age of 12, Wilma was ready to follow in her sisters’ footsteps playing basketball, a perfect first choice as it was on the court as a Sophomore in high school that Wilma was discovered by Tennessee State track and field coach Edward S. Temple. At the age of 16 Wilma attended her first Olympic Games under Coach Temple’s direction, taking home bronze in the 400-meter relay. Her first social activist achievement was opening up her homecoming parade to blacks and whites, a first in Clarksville history and the beginning of Wilma’s participation in segregation protests.

Upon graduating from high school Wilma received a full scholarship to Tennessee State where she received, in 1963, a Bachelor’s degree in education. By 1963 Wilma was a celebrity and continued to be active in sports and social issues until her death in 1994 at the age of 54. It goes to show what people can do when they have support. Between Wilma’s mother, strong family ties, and one coach’s will to raise a star, a true athlete changed women’s sports and segregation practices forever. Wilma’s extended list of accomplishments, awards, and activism in social rights in and out of sports can be read here.

True stories of strong women remind me that “I can do anything if I put my mind (and legs!) to it,” something I remember my father preaching too!
 

*image: Wilma Rudolph

• Currently 3.5/5 Stars.