Wilma Rudolph: Polio

Born on June 23, 1940, in Saint Bethlehem, TN, Wilma Rudolph confronted numerous health challenges throughout her childhood, including double pneumonia, scarlet fever, and polio. These left her with a paralyzed left leg and confined her to a leg brace. Despite being told by doctors that she would never walk again, Rudolph believed and persevered, "My doctors told me I would never walk again. My mother told me I would. I believed my mother."

Becoming an Athlete:

Through family care and physical therapy, she gradually regained the use of her leg, challenging medical expectations. At the age of 11, Rudolph was playing on basketball courts, where she showed her athletic spirit and caught the attention of coaches with her speed and agility. "Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose. If you can pick up after a crushing defeat, and go on to win again, you are going to be a champion someday."

Olympic Career:

Despite the challenges of growing up in the segregated South, Rudolph emerged as a strong athlete in track and field, breaking barriers and records with her performances. In the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia, she won the bronze medal in the 400-meter relay, laying the groundwork for her historic achievements to come. Her accomplishments in the 1960 Rome Olympics enshrined her legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time. Reflecting on her success, Temple stated, "The race that I think that she wanted more than anything else was the 4x100m relay... And she was determined that they were gonna win a gold medal."

Legacy:

Rudolph used her platform to fuel social causes and inspire future generations. Refusing to accept recognition without advocating for integration, she used her fame to promote equality and justice, representing the values of courage and conviction. Through the Wilma Rudolph Foundation, she continues to strengthen young athletes and stress the values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

Conclusion:

Despite her passing at 54 years old on November 12, 1994, Rudolph's influence continues to grow, leaving a legacy of courage and resilience. Wilma Rudolph's story from a child afflicted with polio to an Olympic champion stresses the importance of perseverance. Believing that her leg would regain strength, she endured and practiced relentlessly. She was inducted into the US Olympic Hall of Fame and founded a charitable organization to help amateur track and field athletes. Rudolph is truly a figure for future athletes to look up to.

Sources:

Jones, Maddie. “Wilma Rudolph: U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame.” United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum, 16 Aug. 2021, usopm.org/wilma-rudolph/. Accessed 13 Apr. 2024.

Norwood, Arlisha R. “Biography: Wilma Rudolph.” National Women’s History Museum, www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/wilma-rudolph. Accessed 13 Apr. 2024.

Thompson, Rachel. “Wilma Rudolph, Once Told She Would Not Walk, Became the World’s Fastest Woman 60 Years Ago.” NBC Sports, 8 Sept. 2020, www.nbcsports.com/olympics/news/wilma-rudolph-rome-olympics. Accessed 13 Apr. 2024.

Wilma Rudolph - Biography, Olympic Gold Medalist, Track and Field, 10 Apr. 2024, www.biography.com/athletes/wilma-rudolph. Accessed 14 Apr. 2024.

“Wilma Rudolph.” Women of the Hall, www.womenofthehall.org/inductee/wilma-rudolph/. Accessed 13 Apr. 2024.