Wilma Rudolph - Partialy Deformed as a Child, Grew to Become the Fastest Woman in the World
Wilma Glodean Rudolph was born in 1940 in Tennessee, USA.
Being the 20th of a total 22 children in her family, Wilma (also known as La Gazella Negra - The Black Gazelle, The Tornado, The Flash etc) has had the courage to overcome her difficulties, pursue her dreams and become a multi-golden medalist!
This is her story.
Early Life
Born a premature baby, Wilma had 21 siblings from her father's two marriages.[1]
Wilma surpassed many illnesses as a child, including scarlet fever, polio and pneumonia, that left her with physical disabilities. Her parents helped her receive daily treatments for 2 years until she did not need to wear a leg brace to walk normally.
Wilma started playing basketball in the eight grade and she also begun competing in track.
Discovery
During a high-school basketball game, a track and field coach spotted her and immediately understood Wilma's natural talent.
She participated at the first major event during high school, and she lost.
She then understood that she should continue competing, not give up and pursue her dream.
Olympic Athlete
She first participated at the US Olympic Track, in 1956 and right after that she run the 200-meter race at the Melbourne Olympic Games.
Record Breaker
Wilma managed to break the world record in 200-meter dash in 1960 Summer Olympics and became the first American woman to win 3 gold medals in one Olympiad!1
After 1961, she finished her degree at the University and started working in education2
She received a number of awards and the indoor dormitory at Tennesee State University are named in her honor.
Wilma Rudolph inspired a television movie, which was aired in 1977.
1994 was the year she died, only a few months after being diagnosed with brain cancer.
Wilma Rudolph was born as a weak child and had to pass a number of difficulties while growing up. The challenges only made her stronger and her talent managed to shine. The fastest woman of the world in 1960 was a strong woman of color.
Her actions did not stop in track; her career continued with teaching and also working for nonprofit organizations & projects that supported athletic development
My Takeaway? There are no obstacles powerful enough to stop someone from pursuing what they love. Strength comes from within, strength can grow into power when we have will and determination.
"Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion. The potential for greatness lives within each of us."
—Wilma Rudolph
sources & further reading
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilma_Rudolph
[2] https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/wilma-rudolph
Facts about Wilma Rudolph
Video of Rudolph winning at 200m in Rome Olympics - 1960
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