postage stamp, documentary films, and a made-for-television movie, as well as in numerous publications, especially books for young readers. Rudolph died of brain and throat cancer in 1994, and her achievements are memorialized in a variety of tributes, including a U.S. After competing in the 1960 Summer Olympics, the 1963 graduate of Tennessee State University became an educator and coach. In 1962 Rudolph retired from competition at the peak of her athletic career as the world record-holder in the 100- and 200-meter individual events and the 4 × 100-meter relays. Rudolph is also regarded as a civil rights and women's rights pioneer. She became a role model for black and female athletes and her Olympic successes helped elevate women's track and field in the United States. ĭue to the worldwide television coverage of the 1960 Summer Olympics, Rudolph became an international star along with other Olympic athletes such as Cassius Clay (later known as Muhammad Ali), Oscar Robertson, and Rafer Johnson who competed in Italy.Īs an Olympic champion in the early 1960s, Rudolph was among the most highly visible black women in America and abroad.

Rudolph was acclaimed the fastest woman in the world in the 1960s and became the first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field during a single Olympic Games. She also won three gold medals, in the 100- and 200-meter individual events and the 4 x 100-meter relay at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy.

Rudolph competed in the 200-meter dash and won a bronze medal in the 4 × 100-meter relay at the 1956 Summer Olympics at Melbourne, Australia.

Wilma Glodean Rudolph (J– November 12, 1994) was an American sprinter who overcame childhood polio and went on to become a world-record-holding Olympic champion and international sports icon in track and field following her successes in the 19 Olympic Games.

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