Wilma Rudolph

Wilma Rudolph was an American track and field sprinter. She was born in St. Bethlehem, Tennessee, in 1940. She overcame polio and wore a leg brace as a child. She went on to win three gold medals at the 1960 Olympics.

Early Life

Rudolph was born prematurely and was often sick as a child. She had polio, which left her with a twisted left leg. She wore a brace until she was 12. She was determined to walk without help, and she did.

Big Achievements

Rudolph won a bronze medal at the 1956 Olympics when she was just 16. At the 1960 Olympics in Rome, she won gold in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4x100 relay. She became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympics.

Fun Facts

• Rudolph was one of 22 children in her family.
• She went from wearing a leg brace to being the fastest woman in the world.
• She was called the Black Gazelle because of her graceful running style.

Did You Know?

When Rudolph returned home to Tennessee after the Olympics, she refused to attend a celebration that was segregated. Her hometown held its first racially integrated event in her honor.