American sprinter who overcame childhood polio to become, at the 1960 Rome Olympics, the first American woman to win three gold medals at a single Olympic Games.
Facts
Career HighlightFirst American woman to win three Olympic gold medals in a single Games, at the 1960 Rome Olympics, in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay. 1 Classification
Competition Category FAQs
Did Wilma Rudolph have a serious illness as a child?
She overcame polio and scarlet fever in childhood despite a doctor's prediction that she would never walk again.
Yes. USA Track and Field says she became an unbeaten sprinter after overcoming polio and scarlet fever in childhood, despite her doctor's prediction that she would never walk again.
Connections
Competed In
Source Encyclopaedia Britannica
Plays
Source Encyclopaedia Britannica
In the Other Atlases
Nationality
Also in Geography Atlas: the nationality of this subject.
Sources
1. Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.Wikipedia or cited reference, description lead (competition-category)
American sprinter who overcame childhood polio to become, at the 1960 Rome Olympics, the first American woman to win three gold medals at a single Olympic Games.
- Plays: Athletics
- Competed In: Olympic Games
View the Source 2. Wikidata: Wilma Rudolph
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.