Wilma Rudolph Thesis

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Who knew that, on June 23, 1940, a legend would be born? But, more importantly, who knew that, in 1960, an inspiration would be made? That legend and inspiration was an Olympic sprinter by the name of Wilma Glodean Rudolph. When Wilma was an infant when she contracted polio, which led to paralysis in her legs. Even though the odds were never in her favor, Rudolph put herself to the test and went on to win three gold medals in various track events at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Wilma Rudolph inspires me for her perseverance through hard times, doing what was once perceived as impossible, and for pushing herself to do her very best, no matter what.

To begin with, Wilma Rudolph never gave up, even when times were difficult. In agreement, when Wilma contracted polio, even while living in a crowded household with a low income, she managed to set aside her struggles and survived. Also, due to her skin color in the white supremacist 1960s, it was hard to obtain a leg brace from the local hospital at an affordable price, but, she stuck to it and eventually was able to obtain a custom made orthotic. Despite the uncomfortableness, she followed the doctor’s instructions and, eventually, was able to walk again. Connecting on a more personal level, I have a type of
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Her legacy is filled with instances of persistence, motivation, determination, and possibly a few miracles. With these these traits, she has inspired me to never give up, to always give my best effort, and to never say never, even if others do. Hopefully, I will embrace her lessons and let them guide me down the road to success. I wish to help keep the legacy of Wilma Rudolph alive, in order to inspire the many generations to come. As Wilma once said, “Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of

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