Wilma Rudolph
Athletics
USA
Overview
Wilma Rudolph was an American sprinter who overcame polio as a child to become one of the fastest women in the world. She won three gold medals at the 1960 Rome Olympics, becoming the first American woman to win three golds in track and field at a single Games. Rudolph’s achievements made her an international sensation and a symbol of hope and resilience. Her legacy as a trailblazer for African American athletes and women in sports continues to inspire.
• Olympic Medals: 4 (3 Gold, 1 Bronze)
• Olympic Gold Medals: 3 (1960 Rome - 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay)
• Olympic Bronze Medal: 1956 Melbourne (4x100m relay)
• Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year: 1960, 1961
• Inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame: 1983
• First American woman to win three gold medals in track and field at a single Olympics
