Wilma
Autobiography
By: Wilma Rudolph
Date: 1977
Source: Rudolph, Wilma. Wilma. New York: Signet, 1977, 126–136.
About the Author: Wilma Rudolph (1940–1994) was born in Clarksville, Tennessee. At age four, her left leg was paralyzed after a bout of pneumonia and scarlet fever. After therapy, braces, and special shoes, she was able to walk normally. While in high school, Rudolph was on the 1956 U.S. Olympic track and field team, winning a bronze medal. While attending Tennessee State University, Rudolph made the 1960 Olympic team, winning three gold medals. Retiring from competition in 1962, Rudolph spent the rest of her life in various academic, business, and nonprofit endeavors.
Introduction
Prior to 1960, the most prominent American women's track and field athlete was Babe Didrikson, who won two gold medals at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, and went on to...
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1960's Sports Primary Sources
The 1960's: Primary Sources
