Wilma Rudolph - by Maureen Smith (Hardcover)

About the Book

A biography of the African-American woman who overcame crippling polio as a child to become the first woman to win three gold medals in track in a single Olympics.

Book Synopsis

Wilma Rudolph was born into a large family and struggled with health problems for the first several years of her life, including polio. Though she had trouble even walking, her love of sport and movement motivated her to rehabilitate her legs. Rudolph would blossom into athletic talent and after earning a scholarship to Tennessee State, qualified for the 1960 Olympic Games where she became the first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field.

Throughout her life, Wilma Rudolph faced many barriers and yet she was able to overcome the odds to become an Olympic gold medalist. After hanging up her spikes, Wilma would teach second grade and coach track at her former high school. This work describes her life in detail, and includes a timeline of significant events in her life.

Review Quotes

"For high school students, Smith presents a much-needed biography of athlete Wilma Rudolph (b. 1940)her autobiography is the only other account of her life. She traces Rudolph's early childhood and bout with polio, her Olympic medals in track in 1956 and 1960, other competitions she participated in, and difficulties when her athletic career ended. One chapter discusses her autobiography, and the final chapter describes her influence on other female athletes. The appendix consists of a list of performances of African American women in Olympic track and field." --Reference & Research Book News

About the Author

Maureen M. Smith is a Professor at California State University, Sacramento in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science.