|
|
Wilma RudolphThis is a wonderful photo of Olympic gold medalist Wilma Rudolph, SoulType 1, taken at a Madison Square Garden track meet as she crossed the finish line during the 50-yard dash. It shows the SoulType 1 facial expression of strength and illustrates how Wilma is moving from her movement center, at the throat just below the chin. Wilma is lifting her chin to access her strength. She was the first American woman to win three Olympic gold medals in 1960: the 100-meter dash, the 200-meter dash, and as the anchor in the 400-meter relay team. She broke world records in all three events. Her achievements broke the male/female gender barriers in track and field.
Wilma was born June 23, 1940 in Clarksville, Tennessee. The twentieth of twenty two children, Wilma weighed only 4.5 pounds. She had polio as a child, and was told by her physician that she would never walk. Her family rejected this prognosis and persisted relentlessly with physical therapy. In two years, at the age of twelve, Wilma could walk again normally. This was when she decided to become an athlete. Wilma was both a basketball and track star in high school. She went to her first Olympics in 1956 at 16 years of age where she won the bronze medal in the 4x4 relay. She was the first woman to receive these awards or invitations:
SoulType 1s bring to humanity the soul gift of delight in the beauty of every soul and honoring the equality of all. She brought this awareness to a special occasion in her home town. This was one of the many accomplishments of which she was most proud. When she returned to her home town of Clarksville, Tennessee to participate in a parade celebrating her victory, she insisted that the parade be open to everyone. Blacks and whites gathered for the first integrated event in the town's history.
To read more about Wilma Rudolph: Women
in History. Wilma Rudolph biography. #3 - 11/9/03 |
| home |
copyright © 1999-2008 New Equations
