Rudolph, Wilma (1940-1994), was an American athlete. In the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, she became the first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field competition. She won the 100-meter and 200-meter individual races, and she was a member of the winning American 400-meter relay team. During her career, Rudolph set world records in the 100-meter and 200-meter races.
Wilma Glodean Rudolph was born on June 23, 1940, in St. Bethlehem, Tennessee. At the age of 4, she suffered an attack of double pneumonia and scarlet fever, followed by polio, which left her unable to walk properly until she was 11 years old. Rudolph competed in her first Olympics at the age of 16 in the 1956 games. She won a bronze medal as a member of the American Olympic 400-meter relay team. After retiring from competition, Rudolph worked with young people, in both sports and educational programs. She died on Nov. 12, 1994.
