WILMA RUDOLF By Brett gile

BIRTH Wilma Rudolf was born June 23 1940 in

Clarksville , Tennessee. She was the 20th of 22 children in her

family. She was born prematurely and weighed

only 4.5 pounds.

Early childhood

Wilma fought thru many illnesses like starlets fever , measles , and mumps.

She did not receive any medical attention for her illnesses.

The only time she was taken to the hospital was when her left leg and foot became weak and deformed.

Fighting through polio Wilma was diagnosed with polio a

crippling disease that has no cure. She was told she would never walk

again. Wilma's mother did not give up on her

she drove her 50 miles twice a week to get Wilma physical therapy.

Fighting through polio

Finally at age 12 Wilma was able to walk without crutches braces or corrective shoes.

In high school Wilma took up track.

Olympic achievements Even though she did not win any medals

in the 1956 Olympics she went back in 1960.

In the 1960 Olympics Wilma won 3 gold medals.

Her medals included the 100 meter dash, the 200 meter dash, and the 4x4 100 meter relay.

Marriage

In 1963 Wilma married her high school sweet heart Robert Eldrige.

They had 4 children Yolanda (1958), Djuanna (1964), Robert Jr. (1965), and Xurry (1971).

They later divorced.

Death

Wilma died November 12, 1994, at the age of 54.

Wilma had spent several months after she was diagnosed with brain cancer.

Recourses

www.lkwdpl.org/wihohio/rudo-wil.htm