Wilma Rudolph

Description

Wilma Rudolph was an American track and field athlete who, despite suffering from polio as a child, went on to become a world–renowned athlete and an inspiration to millions. Born in 1940 in St. Bethlehem, Tennessee, Wilma was the twentieth of twenty–two children. As a baby, she contracted polio, an infectious disease that can cause paralysis, and at the age of four, she had to wear a leg brace on her left leg. Her family was poor and her mother was determined to help her daughter‘s recovery.

Wilma was determined to walk without a leg brace and with the help of her mother and siblings, she persevered, eventually managing to walk without the brace at the age of twelve. Wilma found her passion when she joined her school‘s basketball, baseball, and track and field teams. She quickly became an outstanding athlete, and in 1956 she became the first African–American woman to win a medal at the Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the 4x100–meter relay.

In 1960, she won three gold medals at the Olympics, becoming the first American female athlete to do so. Wilma Rudolph‘s success was an inspiration to people around the world. She became a symbol of courage and determination, proving that anything is possible with a little hard work. She went on to become a successful track and field coach and later became a motivational speaker, encouraging people to never give up on their dreams.

Her hard work and determination have been an inspiration to many, proving that no matter what life throws at you, anything is possible with enough determination and perseverance. Wilma Rudolph was an amazing woman who showed the world that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.