Wilma Rudolph (1940-1994) earned the title "World's Fastest Woman" after winning the 100 meter dash, the 200 meter dash and anchoring the 400 meter relay at the 1960 Olympics in Rome. She also was the first female American runner to win three gold medals in the Olympic Games. Those achievements alone are remarkable. However what makes it even more amazing is what happened in Wilma's life before becoming this world renowned champion.
As a child, Wilma suffered an attack of polio and scarlet fever that left her unable to walk without the help of leg braces or orthopedic shoes until she was twelve years old. Her accomplishments are credited with helping remove barriers to women's participation in track and field. During her lifetime, Wilma received many honors and awards, including being named the Associated Press Woman Athlete of the Year and the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Award. In 1974, Wilma was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame.
No comments:
Post a Comment