Vibrant art, and an inspiring woman of Wilma's journey to overcome polio to become the first woman to win 3 gold medals in a single Olympics.

Autographed Copy

The amazing, true story of Wilma Rudolph that overcame childhood polio and became an Olympian. Wilma refused to give up, even when she learned as a young child that she had polio and was told she would not walk again. Through determination and perseverance, Wilma not only walked again, but she ran. In fact, she ran so fast that she took home 3 Olympic medals. A book filled with vibrant illustrations and a powerful message!

Life for a child weighing just 4 pounds at birth, being 19th (eventually out of 22 siblings) in her family and contracting polio at age 5 was sure to be 'limited' ... but is this the story of Wilma Rudolph, who overcame prejudice, loss and countless other obstacles to lead a most 'unlimited' life.

After combating polio, doctors to told her and her mother that she might never walk again without use of a clunky metal brace to support her left leg, which had turned inward. Wilma did painful exercises daily and endured all kinds of teasing and bullying at school but with the support of her family and her own sheer determination, Wilma gained the use of leg again ... eventually becoming a star basketball and track athlete ... becoming the first in her family to attend college.

Her running skills took her all the way to the 1960 Olympics in Rome, where again, her chances of winning were 'limited' ... yet she persevered again, winning 3 gold medals, each in a very dramatic fashion. Wilma's life story teaches us the only limits on our ability to achieve great things are those we set on ourselves.

This is a wonderful book based on a true story. Wilma Rudolph, who became the fastest woman! I learned a lot about her and I dressed up as her in elementary school for a school project! Shared what I learned! It was a good way to get engaged in a historical figure! Unfortunately she died of polio! ( )