DEVOTED SOLDIERS OF ISRAEL · ROOTED IN SCRIPTURE
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Black Inventors & History Makers / Wilma Rudolph
Sports

Wilma Rudolph

1960

Three track gold medals at one Olympics

What Wilma contributed

Became the first American woman to win three gold medals at a single Olympic Games.

The story

Rudolph overcame serious childhood illness before becoming a champion sprinter. At the Rome Olympics she won the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4 × 100-meter relay.

Why it matters

Her success made her an international sporting figure and an example of determination.

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