I chose to do my report on Wilma Rudolph because she was a track star, and that is hard to believe because of what she went through as a child and how she got past that and succeeded in life.
Facts in Brief:
Born: June 23, 1940
Death: November 12, 1994
Birthplace: Saint Bethlehem, Tennessee
Parents: Ed and Blanche Rudolph
Educational Background/Training: Wilma was home schooled until she was seven. She then attended Burt High School. After she had graduated, she went to Tennessee State on a full scholarship.She received her Bachelor’s degree in education.
Honors/Awards /Medals Earned: Wilma received bronze medal as a member of the American 400-meter relay team. She also received golds in the 1948 Olympics, in the 200 and 100 meter dash.
Impact of this person on American society: Wilma was remembered for overcoming polio as a child, and becoming a track star.
Soon after the four and one half pound, Wilma Glodean Rudolph was born, her family moved to Clarksville, Tennessee. When Wilma’s parents were working or just busy with other things, her older siblings would take care of her since she was so sick.
When Wilma was four, she found was diagnosed with polio. Because of Polio, Wilma was vulnerable to scarlet fever and pneumonia. She survived the illness, but she lost the use of her left leg. Wilma’s legs were massaged a number of times a day to help strengthen them. She overcame the loss of her left leg when she was eleven years old. After five years of being able to use her leg again, at the age of 16, Wilma competed in her first Olympics.
Wilma made history in the summer games of 1960. Those games were in Rome, Italy. In those games she became the first American woman to win three gold medals in the track and field competition. Wilma made a decision, and even though she had a great running ability, she decided she would not participate in the 1964 Olympic games.She didn’t think she would do as good as she did in 1960, and she didn’t want to look like she was getting worse. She retired form amateur athletics in 1963 and became a school teacher and athletic coach. At the age of 54, Wilma Glodean Rudolph died.
Bibliography:
1) World Book Encyclopedia, Scott Fetzar, page 509
2) Reference Library of American Women, Volume III, N-Z, Wilma Rudolph, African American Publications, ©1999, pages 579, 580, 581
3) About.com, Wilma Rudolph http://www.lkwdpl.org/wihohio/rudo-wil.htm, author unknown, March 27, 2001.
4) Black History Month, A Celebration, Wilma Rudolph, http://www.kron.com/specials/blackhistory/rudolph.html, KRON-TV
Copyright © 1997.
Created By: Liz R.
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