Wilma Rudolph

track and field · Olympic champion · inspiring · 1960s

Speed Champion. Wilma Rudolph was called the fastest woman in the world during the 1960s. She set world records and amazed everyone with her incredible sprinting ability.

Overcame Polio. As a child, Wilma had polio, a serious disease that weakened her leg. Doctors said she might never walk normally again, but she worked hard and proved them wrong.

Three Gold Medals. At the 1960 Olympics in Rome, Italy, Wilma won three gold medals, one for the 100-meter race, one for the 200-meter race, and one as part of her relay team. She was the first American woman ever to do this.

Olympic Star. Wilma also competed in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, Australia, where she won a bronze medal in the relay race. Her success made her an international sports hero.