Wilma Rudolph: In the Face of Impossible

In the history of sports, resilience is a factor greatly admired by the audience, fellow athletes, and Coaches. Resilience can often come in the form of overcoming injuries, no matter how severe, mental fortitude, or the ability to keep fighting. The most resilient athlete of all time was Wilma Rudolph, an American track and field sprinter who overcame unimaginable obstacles to achieve her dreams.

Wilma Rudolph was born prematurely in 1940 in Tennessee. She was the 3rd youngest of 22 children. Already not having much to her name, Rudolph contracted polio at the age of four, which caused her left leg to become paralyzed. Doctors treating her predicted she would never be able to walk without braces again, a major hurdle in her aspiration to become a sprinter. At this time in Tennessee, living conditions and health care were inadequate, so Wilma’s mother would take her on a bus for treatment hours away. When not at the hospital, they would practice physical therapy to build up Rudolph’s leg again. This tireless care and treatment from her mother proved to be incredibly effective and greatly paid off. By the age of nine, Wilma Rudolph had started walking without her leg brace, and by age 12, she started running and playing basketball with friends.

Wilma was accepted to Tennessee State University with a scholarship and was trained by Ed Temple, a track coach known for the athletes he trained. Under Temple, she won a bronze medal at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics in the 4×100 relay. With four more years of training, she gave it her all at the 1960 Rome Olympics. The crowd watched as Rudolph defied odds and shocked the world in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4×100 relay, winning gold in all three disciplines.

She became an icon of American prowess, resilience, and diversity, and an inspiration to countless people around the world. shows her resilience at the highest level. Wilma Rudolph persisted and endured systematic racism and the belief of “can’t” to overcome these challenges and become an incredibly decorated athlete with a legacy that empowered millions to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilma_Rudolph