"Wilma Rudolph's story is more than the races she won and world records she established. It is the story of a young woman who overcame tremendous obstacles that should have kept her from ever experiencing athletic success, and yet she is the epitome of triumph."
 -Excerpt from "Wilma Rudolph: A Biography", by Maureen M. Smith

Wilma Rudolph was seen as a national hero after the 1960 Olympics. Her success was a testament to her determination, perseverance, and refusal to back down from a challenge. She was able to open up new opportunities and set new precedents not only for African-American athletes but for women as well, particularly those who had to combat prejudice and discrimination in the world of sports to emerge in their own way.

“Wilma G. Rudolph of Clarksville, Tennessee, the 20th of 22 children, overcame a series of childhood diseases, including scarlet fever, double pneumonia, and polio, to become an athletic pioneer and champion in the State of Tennessee, the United States, and the world, first as an outstanding basketball player and track athlete in Tennessee, then as a 3-time gold medal winner in the 1960 Olympics in Rome, and finally as a pioneer for racial equality, goodwill, and justice.”
- Congress