
1940–1994
Overcame polio to become the fastest woman in the world at the 1960 Olympics.
Wilma Glodean Rudolph was an American sprinter who became a world-record-holding Olympic champion and international sports icon. She overcame childhood polio and became the first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field in a single Olympics.
Won 3 gold medals at the 1960 Rome Olympics
First American woman to win 3 golds in a single Olympics
Overcame childhood polio
Named AP Female Athlete of the Year twice
Rudolph's triumph over disability and racism made her an inspiration for people facing obstacles worldwide.