Wilma Rudolph

23 June 1940 – 12 November 1994

Wilma Rudolph was an American sprinter who overcame childhood illness, including polio, to become an Olympic champion. At the 1960 Rome Olympics she won the 100 metres, the 200 metres and the sprint relay, the first American woman to take three athletics golds at a single Games. After retiring she worked as a teacher, coach and youth sports advocate.

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Life events

Born in Saint Bethlehem, Tennessee
23 June 1940

She was born prematurely, the twentieth of twenty-two children in her father's family, and grew up in Clarksville.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Contracted polio as a young child
c. 1944

She lost the use of her left leg for several years and wore a leg brace, travelling regularly to Nashville for treatment.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Personal ✓
Began training with Ed Temple and the Tennessee State Tigerbelles
c. 1955

She joined the coach's summer programme while still a high school student in Clarksville.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Education ✓
Won a bronze medal in the sprint relay at the Melbourne Olympic Games
1956

She competed at the age of sixteen as part of the United States 4 x 100 metres relay team.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Enrolled at Tennessee State University
1958 – 1963

She studied on an athletics scholarship and competed for the Tigerbelles, graduating in 1963.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Education ✓
Won three gold medals at the Rome Olympic Games
September 1960

She took the 100 metres, the 200 metres and the 4 x 100 metres relay.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Received the James E. Sullivan Award as the leading amateur athlete in the United States
1961

The award followed her Olympic wins and a series of international meetings in Europe.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Retired from competitive athletics
1962

She stopped competing in 1962 and went on to teach and coach in schools.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Founded the Wilma Rudolph Foundation
1981

The foundation in Indianapolis supported training and education for young athletes.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Died in Brentwood, Tennessee
12 November 1994

She died of brain cancer at the age of 54.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓