Sport: How I was paralyzed and healed to win three gold medal as a runner___Wilma Rudolph
How as a polio patient, i was paralyzed , doctor told me i would never walk again, but my mother told me I would and i break world record by winning three gold medal as a runner
Wilma Rudolph achieved her world record-breaking feat through dedication, hard, and perseverance. She overcame physical records in sprinting events. Rudolph’s determination and belief in herself allowed her to achieve greatness and inspire others to reach their full potential.
My doctors told me I would never walk again. My mother told me I would. I believed my mother.” One Sunday at church Wilma simply detached her hated metal braces and walked down the aisle. After that, there was no stopping her.
She won three gold medals and broke at least three world records. Rudolph became the first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field at the same Olympic game. Her performance also earned her the title of “the fastest woman in the world.”
Wilma Rudolph, an American sprinter, made history by breaking world records and winning three gold medals in the 1960 Rome Olympics. Her journey to these achievements is a remarkable story of overcoming adversity and demonstrating incredible resilience and determination.
1. **Early Life and Health Challenges**: Wilma Rudolph was born prematurely on June 23, 1940, and faced numerous health challenges early in life, including polio, which left her with a paralyzed leg. She also suffered from scarlet fever and pneumonia.
2. **Recovery and Determination**: Despite her prognosis, Rudolph’s family provided extensive physical therapy and support. By age 12, through sheer determination and hard work, she shed her leg brace and began to walk without assistance. Her perseverance was evident early on, as she gradually transitioned from walking to running.
3. **High School and Collegiate Success**: Rudolph’s athletic talents flourished in high school, where she excelled in basketball and track. She caught the attention of Tennessee State University’s coach, Ed Temple, and joined the “Tigerbelles” track team. Under Temple’s guidance, Rudolph honed her sprinting skills and became a dominant force in track and field.
4. **Olympic Triumphs**: At the age of 16, Rudolph competed in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the 4×100 meter relay. However, it was the 1960 Rome Olympics where she truly shined. She won three gold medals: in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4×100 meter relay, setting world records in the process. Her 100 meters victory was particularly notable, as she clocked 11.0 seconds, a world record at the time, although it was wind-assisted and not officially recognized.
5. **Legacy and Impact**: Wilma Rudolph’s achievements extended beyond her athletic prowess. She became an international icon of triumph over adversity, inspiring generations of athletes and becoming a role model, particularly for African-American women in sports. Her success helped to elevate the status of women’s track and field globally.
Rudolph’s legacy is a testament to her extraordinary spirit and the power of resilience. Her ability to walk again and later break world records in sprinting is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with determination and hard work.
