Wilma Rudolph: How the child who couldn’t walk became the world’s fastest woman

As a child, American sprinting legend Wilma Rudolph was told she would never walk again.

The youngster had contracted polio at the age of five, losing the strength in her left leg and foot. But, despite having to wear a leg brace until the age of 12, Rudolph went on to become the world record holder in the women’s 100 and 200 metres.

GiveMeSport Women looks back on Rudolph’s life in full, detailing how the icon overcame adversity to become one of the best track and field talents the world has ever seen.

Rudolph was born on June 23rd, 1940, in Tennessee. She suffered from a number of early childhood illnesses, including pneumonia, scarlet fever, and polio. It was the latter that would prove to be the most harmful, with Rudolph left physically disabled for most of her young life.

She was treated at Meharry Medical College and received daily massages from her numerous siblings, both of which helped the future star make a full recovery by the age of 12.

Rudolph soon began playing sports, taking up basketball and athletics. Her natural talent in both was clear to see, but it was in track and field that she really excelled.

Aged 14, Rudolph began a training programme at Tennessee State University. Just two years later, she was representing the US at the Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games.

A 16-year-old Rudolph attended the US Olympic trials in 1956, earning a place in the 200m. She was the youngest American athlete to qualify for the Games.

Rudolph lost in the preliminary heats of the 200m in Melbourne, but ran alongside Isabelle Daniels, Mae Faggs and Margaret Matthews in the 4x100m relay.

The quartet, who all trained at Tennessee State University, finished with a silver medal. Once back home, Rudolph showed off her medal to her