By Brett gile

BIRTH  Wilma Rudolf was born June in Clarksville, Tennessee.  She was the 20 th 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  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 