American sprinter who became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympics at the 1960 Rome Games.
Background
Born in Saint Bethlehem, Tennessee, Rudolph contracted polio as a child and wore a leg brace until age 12. She joined the Tennessee State track team while still in high school.
Career
At 16 she won a bronze medal in the 4x100m relay at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. At Rome 1960 she won the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay golds. She retired in 1962 at age 22 and worked as a teacher and coach.
Style of play
At 5’11”, Rudolph was tall for a sprinter and was known for a long, relaxed stride. Her finishing speed in the 200m and on the relay anchor leg was particularly noted.
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