Comprehensive information and links about Wilma Rudolph

Wilma Rudolph (June 23, 1940 – November 12, 1994) was an American athlete and four time Olympic champion.

Rudolph was born in Clarksville, Tennessee and at early age, it was discovered that she, the 20th of 22 children, had polio. Her mother took her to a hospital for blacks 50 miles from their home twice a week, and at age 12, she could walk normally again — and she decided to become an athlete. She was playing for the basketball team of her junior high school, when she was spotted by the track and field coach. While attending Burt High School, Rudolph became a basketball star, setting state records for scoring and leading her team to the state championship. She later became a track star, competing at the 1956 Summer Olympics at the age of 16 where she won a bronze medal in the 4x400 m relay. After high school, Rudolph was granted a full scholarship to Tennessee State University where she ultimately received her Bachelor's degree in education in 1963. At the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome she won three Olympic titles; in the 100 m, 200 m and the 4 x 100 m relay. In 1961, Rudolph received the James E. Sullivan Award as the top amateur athelete in the United States.

After her athletic career, Rudolph worked as a teacher, track coach, and sports commentator. She married Robert Eldridge in 1963 and had four children: Yolanda (1958), Djuanna (1964), Robert Jr. (1965) and Xurry (1971). They later divorced.

At age 54, Wilma Rudolph died in her home in Brentwood, Tennessee of brain cancer.

In 2004, the United States Postal Service issued a 23 cent postage stamp featuring Rudolph.